GANGTOK, Dec 27 - Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Cell (SEED) at a function held in Samman Bhawan here on Saturday. Besides the Chief Minister, who is also the chief patron of SEED, Commerce and Industries Minister BS Panth, Rural Development Department Minister Sonam Lama, Urban Development Minister Arun Upreti, Forest Minister Karma Loday Bhutia, besides the advisors, chairmen and heads of the concerned departments and a large number of entrepreneurs were also present.
SEED aims to bridge the gap between the government and entrepreneurs who are committed to creating an ecosystem for the individuals who want to enhance capacities, ideas and potential, and aims to improve the economy. It would provide training and industry linkage to entrepreneurs and work closely with the government to create a network for overall development of entrepreneurship in Sikkim.
The programme was organised to felicitate the hardworking local entrepreneurs and also to showcase how these people are dedicated in their respective fields in order to inspire others to be a successful entrepreneur and become self-reliant and self-sufficient.
A total of 35 entrepreneurs of the State were felicitated by the SEED during the function.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that the independent and self-reliant youth of the State who have started their own ventures are the main pillars of the State as they are also responsible for expanding the local employment opportunities.
He lauded the efforts of the talented entrepreneurs as they have courageously displayed their potential and made a difference in their own lives as well as in society.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the young people of the State to have a wider perspective with new ideas and objectives and to analyse business possibilities and thrive in entrepreneurship. He also suggested ways and means to hone their skill and capacity in various sectors to become successful entrepreneurs. He also assured to render every possible support from the State government and provide requisite facilities and relaxation to take entrepreneurship forward.
He also highlighted that the pilot projects of the State Government�s �Skill Youth Start Up Scheme� envisions to generate equitable entrepreneurial opportunities in rural as well as urban areas of Sikkim, particularly among the educated unemployed youth to help them become self-employed by providing 35 percent subsidy on financially viable projects, and 50 percent subsidy for the beneficiaries in BPL category.
He appealed to the youth to plan their foray into entrepreneurship as it could make them financially stable as well as generate employment and contribute towards the development of the State.
During the programme, the Chief Minister launched the magazine and the App of SEED, and distributed certificates to the office-bearer of SEED.
