The Himachal Pradesh Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (HPCED) will train 2,420 candidates across the state under the PM VIKAS scheme after being selected as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA) by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 29, 2026, between Neha Giri (IAS), Director, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Industries-cum-Executive Director, HPCED, Himachal Pradesh.
Under the programme, 1,700 women will be trained under the Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship component, while 720 candidates will be covered under the Non-Traditional Livelihood component, taking the total coverage to 2,420 beneficiaries across Himachal Pradesh.
The initiative aims to promote skill development and entrepreneurship among youth, with focused training in areas such as Mountain Cuisine, Fashion Designing, Beauty Therapy, Leadership Development, and Business Mentoring (Udyami Mitra). The programme will be implemented across various districts of the state.
Officials said the project will provide end-to-end support to beneficiaries, including mobilisation, training, certification, and handholding support, with an emphasis on improving employability and encouraging self-employment opportunities.
Deepika Khatri said the initiative is expected to significantly enhance opportunities for youth and women, while also contributing to inclusive economic growth in Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
