EDII in association with DIPP and CII conducted panel discussion on Start-up India

Start-up India campaign, launched by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created nationwide buzz. The youngsters are stimulated to come up with innovative business ideas and establish their own enterprises. With a view to analyse the scheme and spread awareness about it, the institute in association with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Govt. of India and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized a Panel Discussion and Live Streaming of the launch of Start-up India on 16th January.

The Members on the panel were Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Gujarat; Mr. S. B. Dangayach, Chairman and Managing Director, Sintex Industries Ltd.; Mr. Manasvi Thapar, Founder, Candour Legal and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII. The panelists gave insights into issues such as; understanding start-ups, taxation, FDI in key sectors, incubation centres for start-ups, single –window clearance system, benefits for rural India from the Policy and other critical aspects related to setting up and sustaining businesses.

Director of the Institute, Dr. Sunil Shukla expressed his views on Startup India by saying, “This new policy could act as a game changer. I am sure it will promote innovative ideas and add value to society. It is high time that the effort be made collective – the institutions, corporate and government must join hands to create an eco-system which is conducive for start-up germination.”

Eminent Panelist Mr. S.B Dangayach stressed on importance of incubators in cultivating start-up culture in India. He said, “Startup Incubators are important to create an environ where pre-ideas are incubated, technological solutions are applied, prototypes are created, markets and networks are established and products are successfully produced. Incubators will ensure support of domain experts, academic institutions, known entrepreneurs and professionals, thus making it simple for the entrepreneur.”

Government has launched similar initiatives in the past to facilitate first generation entrepreneurs but somehow they did not meet glorious success. Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Government of Gujarat said, “I would urge all would-be entrepreneurs not to get discouraged by hassles by viewing things from the outside, but to take the plunge after a preliminary scanning and after chalking about a level wise target. Only when they face the first level, will they get ready for the second. I can see an amiable environment setting in, where one step will automatically lead to the other.”

Founder of Candour Legal Mr. Manasvi Thapar put emphasis on single window system with reduced complexities in licenses and taxes to trigger start-up culture. He further said that corporate must also adopt a start-up to increase its chances of success. The panelists were hopeful that Start-up India will bring a change in the mindset about entrepreneurship in India. With several changes in Government policies, it will also fasten growth of start-ups in the country.

The participants learned about techniques to crack job interviews. The one-month training prepared participants for employment. It focused on developing skills in English speaking and computer using capacity of the participants. The programme also aimed to develop self-confidence among participants. Contented with the outcome of the programme, the Programme Director Mr. V.S Sukumaran said, “All the participants were placed for internship in different government institutions after completion of classroom training. The results are indeed heartening.”