Tura, June 26: Meghalaya chief minister, Mukul Sangma today dwelt on
the need of linking entrepreneurship to rural development with a
sustained model.
He was speaking at the international seminar on entrepreneurship in
the fast changing society: the socio-economic perspective at North
Eastern Hill University, Tura campus.
Sangma noted that institutions and individuals promoting rural
development should link entrepreneurship as a strategic development
intervention that could accelerate the rural development process.
Stating that his government is making an effort to encourage
entrepreneurship in Meghalaya, he said, “There is an urgent need to
promote rural enterprises, as farmers in rural areas do not grab this
opportunity as lucrative, which is the cause of unprecedented
migration to urban areas”.
Highlighting the different aspects of rural entrepreneurship, which
has an enormous employment potential, he said, “Entrepreneurship
stands as a vehicle to improve the quality of life for individuals,
families and communities and to sustain a healthy economy and
environment”.
On the need of holistic approach towards growth, he said, “By
convergence with different line departments and institutions,
entrepreneurship can be promoted for economic change”.
Terming that economic vitality of a country depends on condition for
social vitality, he said, “Without entrepreneurial capabilities which
are well developed, external funds will be wasted on projects that
will not provide long term economic growth”.
Pitching strongly for entrepreneurial skills for development, he
remarked that development and growth should be based on human capital,
which can be stimulated by igniting young minds.
“We have to equip knowledge for the students, who can carry out their
ideas more effectively for transforming lives of the people”, said
Sangma.
Speaking on his pet project integrated basin development and
livelihood promotion programme, he said, “To accelerate economic
development in rural areas, it is necessary to increase the supply of
entrepreneurs, thus building up the critical mass of first generation
entrepreneurs, who will take risks and engage in the uncertainties of
a new venture creation, create something from practically nothing and
create values by pulling together a unique package of resources to
exploit an opportunity.
By their example they will stimulate an
autonomous entrepreneurial process, as well as a dynamic
entrepreneurship, thereby ensuring continuous rural development”.
In a keynote address, Professor S.S Khanka from National Institute of
Financial Management, Faridabad said, “Entrepreneurship in rural areas
is finding a unique blend of resources, either inside or outside of
agriculture. This can be achieved by widening the base of a farm
business to include all the non-agricultural uses”.
Enlightening that the economic goals of an entrepreneur and the social
goals of rural development, he said, “Indian economy will sky rocket,
they will create wealth, services and jobs”.
The two day seminar is being attended by delegates from Cambodia,
Syria, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Among others, who spoke on the
occasion included Vice Chancellor of the University P. Shukla and Pro
-Vice Chancellor, E. D. Thomas also spoke on the occasion.
Sangma also inaugurated the newly constructed administrative block of
the University at Tura.(SP News)
