What are the key programmes under ESDP?

ESDP includes the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), Entrepreneurship-Skill Development Programme (E-SDP), and Management Development Programme (MDP).

Who is eligible to participate in ESDP?

Individuals above 18 years, particularly SC/ST, women, ex-servicemen, and disabled persons, with a preference for those interested in starting or expanding an industry.

What documents are required for ESDP application?

Identity proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID), age proof, caste certificate, and disability certificate (if applicable).

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Driving Entrepreneurial Growth: MSME’s ESDP Initiative Explained!

Q: What is the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)?

ESDP is a government initiative to promote entrepreneurship and skill development, especially within the MSME sector, aimed at empowering youth and improving technical abilities.

Q: What are the benefits of ESDP?

The programme raises awareness about entrepreneurship, empowers individuals to consider self-employment, enhances technical skills, and helps in setting up or expanding MSMEs.

Q: What is the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)?

ESDP is a government initiative to promote entrepreneurship and skill development, especially within the MSME sector, aimed at empowering youth and improving technical abilities.

Komal Bajpai

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Updated: 10-07-2025 at 3:31 PM

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The term “entrepreneurship” means much more than just founding a company. It stands for a creative vision, a willingness to take risks, and a relentless pursuit of opportunities. The development of entrepreneurship is crucial, as it plays a central role in shaping the destiny of nations, empowering individuals, and overcoming modern challenges. To increase the number of entrepreneurs in India, this Sarkari yojana was launched to take entrepreneurship to a new level.

What Is An Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme?

In 2019, the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme, an important component under “MSME Development’,” was updated by the Ministry to reflect the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and MSMEs in India.

The Narendar Modi Sarkar Scheme promotes entrepreneurship among youth across the country. The number of trainees or beneficiaries under the government scheme has registered a growth of almost 170 per cent in FY23 as compared to FY22.

According to data shared by Minister of State for MSMEs Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in Rajya Sabha recently, the number of beneficiaries increased from 59,204 in FY22 to 1.59 lakh in FY23.

What Are The Benefits Of ESDP?

Listed below are the benefits of this central government scheme:

To create awareness and train people about entrepreneurial culture.
To empower the target groups by telling them that they can focus on entrepreneurship from the beginning of their career and can make it a source of income later on.
The goal is to enhance the technical and vocational abilities of the intended audience or to improve their current skills.
To help in setting up new MSMEs and to develop existing MSMEs further, which will increase production and employment opportunities.

Programmes Under Entrepreneurship And Skill Development Programme

Three modules are included in this govt scheme:

Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP)

EAP is an activity in which traditional and non-traditional entrepreneurs who have the potential to set up an MSME are encouraged towards self-employment or entrepreneurship. At least one EAP should be organised in each district in which 50 to 100 young entrepreneurs can participate.

Entrepreneurship-Skill Development Programme (E-SDP)

Existing (E-SDP): A six-week activity aimed at conducting special entrepreneurship development programs for new livelihood venture creation and rural enterprise development.

Advanced (E-SDP): A minimum one-week advanced ESDP programme is to be organised with an intake capacity of about 20 participants. Institutions such as IIT, IIM, and BARC will conduct this activity.

Management Development Programme (MDP)

Existing (MDP): A one-week activity in which management practice systems will be worked upon to enhance the decision-making capacity of entrepreneurs. 25–30 entrepreneurs can participate in this activity, and their age should be above 18 years.

Advanced (MDP): a management development programme of at least one week duration in which 25 entrepreneurs can participate. Institutions such as central or state governments, NITs, regional engineering colleges, and agricultural colleges will conduct this programme, which will provide training on advanced management development activities.

Eligibility Criteria For ESDP

Here are the eligibility criteria for ESDP

The age of the entrepreneurs should be above 18 years. However, in certain situations like college dropout, relaxation is given by the head of the operator.
Youth and other people who are interested in setting up their industry.
Eligibility of the participants and fee structure will be decided by the implementing agencies i.e. Director i.e. officer in charge
SC / ST/women/ex-servicemen of defence forces and disabled persons are given preference.

Documents Required For ESDP Program

These documents will be required:

Identity proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID)
Age proof
Caste certificate
Disability certificate (if applicable)

What Is the Application Process Of The ESDP Scheme?

Eligible entrepreneurs can apply by contacting the nearest MSME Development Institute.

Conclusion

The MSME sector plays a key role in the growth of the Indian economy. Among the various schemes of the Ministry of MSME, ESDP has undeniably played an important role in skill development in the country, but we need to take forward the promotion of small entrepreneurs under this scheme.