In a first of its kind in the Bokaro district, a group of nineteen school dropouts from a low income background are now ready with the basics of entrepreneurship, thanks to Bokaro Steel’s unique CSR initiative.
The rural youth in the age group of 18 -35 took part in a special five-day programme on entrepreneurship development specially designed by IIM-Ranchi and hosted by Bokaro Steel Plant at its HRD Centre.
The training programme concluded on 25th March with a presentation by the participants on their prospective business plans. The concluding session was attended by BSl’s ED (P&A) B Mukhopadhyay, IIM-Ranchi faculty member and key trainer for the programme Dr Arpita Sutradhar, Bank of India Dy Zonal Manager JJKN Shahdeo and senior officials of BSl’s CSR department.
Conceived by BSl as a special CSR initiative, the five day programme was attended by Abani Gope, NK Manjhi, Nakul Gope, Tapu Gope, Kalachan Kumar, Nakul Kumar Manjhi, Iswar Kumar, Nirmal Kumar Manjhi, Ganesh Sardar, Ganesh Kumar Manjhi, Pankaj Kumar, Vikas Kumar, lakshmi Kumari, Urmila Devi, Hiramani Kumari, Rani Kumari,AK Thakur, Bhola Kumbhkar and Rajesh Kewat, all youngsters from the neighbouring villages with a determination to capitalise the opportunity and start their own independent business.
During the five day training, Dr Sutradhar provided the step-by-step information necessary for entrepreneurship development comprising audio-visual inputs, basic conceptual framework of business development, market research methodology etc. The participants took part in animated discussions on emerging business ideas, their pros and cons, strategies involved including marketing and finance.
The participants were encouraged to conceive their own business models based on the basics of entrepreneurship development and tailor-made to match their aspirations. At the end of day five, the small group of youngsters appeared visibly transformed into confident would-be entrepreneurs. Shahdeo also gave valuable information to the aspiring entrepreneurs about the loan facilities provided by Banks.
After conclusion of the training programme, IIM-Ranchi will further handhold the trainees along with BSl to help each individual realise their dreams. Training programme for subsequent batches will also start soon on similar lines, BSl officials informed.