Haryana creates Rs 10 cr fund to encourage students to set up startups

The Haryana government has made a provision of Rs 10 crore to support students studying in colleges and universities for launching their own start-ups, Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said today.

Addressing the students after inaugurating the start-up Incubator-cum-Center of Excellence at Government Post-Graduate College in Panchkula, near here, he said this was the first-of-its kind centre set up in the state.

"It is an important step towards realisation of vision of Digital India of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth does not lack talent, it has to be recognized appropriately," he added.

The Centre would promote entrepreneurship at all levels among the aspiring youth of the state, he said.

Spread over an area of 3,000 square feet, the centre would primarily cater to four government colleges of Panchkula district namely, Government Postgraduate College, Sector-1, Government Post Graduate Women's College, Sector-14, Government College, Barwala and Government College, Kalka, and the students would be able to give wings to their ideas.

He also spoke about starting a money bank for new entrepreneurs of the state, which would provide interest-free financial assistance along with bus service for girl students who travel in remote areas.

He urged the youth to come forward with start-up ideas and make a career for themselves.

On this occasion, Sharma also launched 'Shiksha Setu', a mobile application, a new web portal and PATANG (Passport Assistance to aspiring Young Graduates) initiative of the Higher Education Department.

He applauded the Department of Higher Education for taking up new initiatives to upgrade the quality of higher education. With the launch of mobile app 'Shiksha Setu' and new web portal, the students studying in colleges and universities would now be able to deposit their fees and get scholarships online.

This Mobile Application and portal would make available detailed information on students, teachers and other staff online and would also help in evaluation of students and the performance of teachers.

Under PATANG initiative, students of colleges would be able to get their passports made on college campus.