From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Nov 17: Emphasizing government’s active role in pushing women entrepreneurship in Karnataka, Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh R Nirani on Wednesday promised to extend all the possible assistance to encourage and promote women entrepreneurs in the state including concession for women from weaker sections.

Addressing the women entrepreneurs during 38th anniversary and award ceremony of Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE) in Bengaluru, he said women-owned enterprises are growing significantly leading to their economic empowerment.

“Today India has 13.5 to 15.7 million women-owned enterprises, representing 20% of all enterprises. Accelerating quantity and quality of entrepreneurship towards such benchmarks can create over 30 million women-owned enterprises, of which 40% can be more than self-employment. Women entrepreneurs inspire other women to start businesses leading to more job creation for women,” Nirani said.

Explaining details of various government initiatives such as Mudra Yojana, Annapurna Scheme, Dena Shakti, TREAD (Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development), Udyogini, Women Skill Training Programme, Samrudhi and Dhanasree schemes, the minister urged budding women entrepreneurs to make use of those schemes.

“Our Udyami Aagu, Udyoga Needu programme is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among the youths, he said adding: Karnataka is the first state to announce exclusive industrial parks dedicated to women in Mysuru, Dharwad, Kalaburagi and Harohalli.

``I am glad to note that many women in our state are turning into successful employers and providing jobs to many other women. We believe that empowering our women is like empowering our society,” Nirani expressed.

The Minister lauded AWAKE for creating a wonderful platform to honour successful women entrepreneurs and helping women with entrepreneurial aspirations to excel in the changing business ecosystem.