The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) hosted the third edition of the National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA) in New Delhi on January 4, 2019, at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.

An important step taken by MSDE to catalyse a cultural shift in youth for entrepreneurship, it has instituted the National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA) to recognize and honour outstanding young first generation entrepreneurs and their Ecosystem Builders for their outstanding contribution in entrepreneurship development. The awards recognise and honour outstanding young first-generation entrepreneurs and those who have contributed immensely to building the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The National Entrepreneurship Awards is a platform focused on driving innovation and ushering in a positive change for youth in entrepreneurship across all the industries.

The awards were conferred in the presence of Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation; Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship at a high profile award ceremony.

A total of 43 awards were given this year including 39 awards for Young Entrepreneurs in different sectors and four awards for Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders.

The winners received a trophy, certificate, and cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh [enterprises/ individual and 10 lakhs (organizations/ institutes)]. There were also special awards for women, persons with disability, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and entrepreneurs from areas with limited opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion Suresh Prabhu said the government will provide full support to the young entrepreneurs to enhance their business. The government is focusing on ease of doing business in every district. The Commerce Minister said that government will provide a market through Government eMarketplace, GEM for their product.

Anantkumar Hegde said National Entrepreneurship Awards is recognition of immense talent that our youth has. “Our country’s strength is its human resource. The government is committed to supporting everyone – across the small, medium, or large categories of entrepreneurs, to create market linkages for all. No entrepreneur is different from another as each has to invest the same amount of passion, grit, and commitment in their venture.”

He also urged youths to work hard, take risks, and write their own destiny.

Dharmendra Pradhan, in his speech, highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in making India a leading economy globally.

He said, “Adopting an inclusive approach, this year new categories were introduced for grassroots entrepreneurs with a special focus on women, persons with disabilities, SC/STs, and entrepreneurs from difficult areas.”

The function witnessed attendance from senior officials of the ministry, corporate leaders, and budding entrepreneurs among others.