‘Saksham’ Programme Proves Effective in Promoting Entrepreneurship in Schools

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Government has been implementing various initiatives to promote entrepreneurship among youth. In alignment with this vision, a special programme titled ‘Saksham’ was carried out over the past two years in government and aided schools, as well as junior colleges in Nagpur and Amravati districts. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with service-based organizations and the Udhyam Learning Foundation, has proven successful in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

This initiative was launched under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Udhyam Learning Foundation, a non-profit founded by Mekin Maheshwari, aims to develop entrepreneurial thinking and skills in students aged 14 to 25 through project-based learning. The foundation also works on enhancing teaching skills among educators. These goals were central to the Saksham programme.

The programme fosters creativity, confidence, and problem-solving abilities among students. The aim is to inspire around 4.5 million students across 17,000 schools and junior colleges in the state. So far, the foundation has reached over 2.9 million students in government schools, colleges, and ITIs across 12 states through its entrepreneurship education initiatives.

Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized that Maharashtra has created a conducive environment for budding entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses. With nearly 1.4 million youth entering the workforce each year, programmes like Saksham that enhance skills and entrepreneurial thinking are both timely and valuable, he stated.

The Chief Minister also stressed that coordinated efforts between state agencies, local bodies, and voluntary organizations can amplify the impact of Saksham, setting a strong example of fostering entrepreneurship through education.

During 2023–24, the Saksham initiative was implemented in selected schools in Nagpur district. The programme successfully instilled entrepreneurial values early in students’ lives, effectively integrating skill education into the school curriculum. Students gained hands-on experience in job creation and self-employment, which increased their confidence. The initiative has the potential to bring about significant transformation in the future, said then CEO of Nagpur Zilla Parishad, Soumya Sharma.

As part of the initiative, 30 schools in Nagpur implemented pilot projects, and 40 project exhibitions were held. In Amravati district, the programme reached 8,000 students across 212 schools. The initiative is expected to expand to 400 schools in the 2025–26 academic year.

To date, over 15,000 students have participated in the Saksham programme, submitting more than 2,500 business ideas. Around 1,500 prototypes were developed, and over 500 students successfully sold their products. The initiative has brought about a positive shift in student mindset, and more than 500 teachers have received training in entrepreneurship, according to information shared by the Udhyam Learning Foundation.