New Delhi, July 13 (APAC Media): In a significant step towards strengthening India’s rural enterprise ecosystem, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched Gramodyam, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Launched by Dr. Shaji K. V., Chairman, NABARD, on the occasion of the institution’s 45th Foundation Day, the initiative is designed to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth in rural areas. The Institute for Industrial Development (IID) will serve as the implementation partner for the programme.
End-to-End Entrepreneurial Support
Gramodyam aims to identify and mentor rural entrepreneurs by equipping them with entrepreneurial capabilities, industry-specific skills, and access to essential support systems. The initiative seeks to transform innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures, creating self-employment opportunities while generating local jobs and strengthening rural economies.
The programme follows a digital-first hybrid model to ensure nationwide outreach across all States and Union Territories. Beneficiaries will be mobilised through digital platforms, social media campaigns, community engagement, and on-ground outreach.
Participants will undergo a structured entrepreneurial journey comprising psychometric assessments, career counselling, Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training, industry-specific skill development, business mentoring, and enterprise establishment support.
Credit Access and Market Linkages
Unlike conventional skill development programmes, Gramodyam offers integrated support throughout the enterprise lifecycle. Participants will receive assistance in identifying business opportunities, preparing business plans, enterprise management, credit facilitation, market linkages, mentorship, and post-establishment handholding.
The programme also features a robust credit facilitation framework, helping entrepreneurs prepare bankable Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), access loans from NABARD-supported Regional Rural Banks and other financial institutions, utilise digital loan application systems, and leverage government schemes and incentives.
Transparent Monitoring Framework
During its pilot phase, Gramodyam aims to facilitate the establishment of nearly 4,000 rural enterprises over the next three years through a scalable implementation model. All beneficiaries will undergo e-KYC verification through NSDC before enrolment.
Integrated with NSDC’s digital platform, the programme will enable real-time monitoring of participant progress. Key performance indicators will include candidate mobilisation, gender inclusion, training completion, certification, GST and UDYAM registrations, enterprise operationalisation, and business sales performance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable socio-economic impact.
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