The Odisha government has taken a significant step towards promoting women entrepreneurship in the state by announcing the establishment of an exclusive industrial park for women entrepreneurs. This move aims to provide a platform for women to showcase their skills, innovate, and contribute to the state’s economic growth. Alongside the industrial park, the government will set up a dedicated cell for women entrepreneurs at the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) to provide assistance and opportunities for women-led businesses.
Current Government Schemes: A Boost to Women-Led Businesses
The Odisha government’s initiatives, such as the Subhadra scheme, have already shown positive results. The scheme provided ₹5,000 to nearly 80 lakh women, enabling them to start small businesses. The government has also allocated ₹75,623 crore, approximately 28.5% of the state budget, for initiatives aimed at women’s development. These efforts are expected to enhance women’s participation in the business sector and promote economic growth.
Real Barriers Faced by Women Entrepreneurs
Despite these initiatives, women entrepreneurs in Odisha still face several challenges, including :
– Limited Access to Markets and Capital: Women entrepreneurs often struggle to access markets and capital, hindering their ability to grow and sustain their businesses.
– Traditional Barriers: Societal norms and expectations can limit women’s ability to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
– Lack of Support Systems: Women entrepreneurs often lack access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, making it difficult for them to navigate the business landscape.
The Way Forward
To overcome these challenges, the Odisha government needs to consider the following:
– Skill Development: Providing skill development programs and training opportunities to enhance women’s entrepreneurial capabilities.
– Access to Finance: Ensuring easy access to finance and credit facilities for women entrepreneurs.
– Mentorship and Networking: Establishing mentorship programs and networking opportunities to support women entrepreneurs.
– Market Access: Facilitating access to markets and promoting women-led products.
Key Highlights of the Odisha Government’s Initiative
– Exclusive Industrial Park: The government will establish an industrial park exclusively for women entrepreneurs.
– Dedicated Cell: A special cell will be set up at IPICOL to provide assistance and opportunities for women-led businesses.
– Investment in Skill Development: The government plans to invest in skill development programs for women entrepreneurs.
– Collaboration with Educational Institutions: The government aims to collaborate with educational institutions to provide practical business experiences for women entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The Odisha government’s initiative to establish an exclusive industrial park for women entrepreneurs is a step in the right direction. However, to make a significant impact, the government needs to address the real barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and provide comprehensive support systems. With the right policies and initiatives, women entrepreneurs in Odisha can contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth and development.
By – Debi Prasad Rath
