Gandhinagar, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Gujarat government is actively enhancing the economic independence of its tribal communities.

With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and skill development, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED Gujarat) under the Office of the Commissioner of Industries has become a pivotal force in cultivating grassroots entrepreneurs, transforming tribal areas into dynamic business hubs, as revealed by officials today.

In the span of four years (2021–22 to 2024–25), the state administration has allocated ₹2 crore for entrepreneurship training to over 1,000 tribal youth across 14 districts.

Out of these, more than 120 have emerged as successful entrepreneurs, establishing their own businesses and generating job opportunities for others.

Furthermore, 1,300 tribal youth have undergone skill development training, with 223 securing direct employment as a result.

The Gujarat government’s innovative model for entrepreneurship and skill development in tribal areas is supported by a robust institutional network, which includes 42 Skill Upgradation Centres (SUCs), 9 Regional Centres, and specialized anchor institutes focused on industry-relevant learning.

These centres, equipped with modern tools, smart classrooms, and partnerships with local industries, ensure that training effectively leads to business creation and employment.

The training programs encompass a range of sectors such as chemical processing, electrical and electronics, textiles and tailoring, beauty and wellness, logistics, IT and data entry, and renewable energy.

The curricula are designed to align with local economic potential and the practical needs of industries, ensuring that participants acquire both technical skills and entrepreneurial confidence.

Among the most inspiring success stories is Daksha Birari from Dang district, who established Ambika Haldi Farm after receiving CED’s entrepreneurship training and support from her local Sakhi Mandal.

She has transformed traditional turmeric farming into a modern agro-business with an annual turnover exceeding ₹80 lakh while providing stable employment to several local women.

Similarly, Tarun Vasava from Vaghodia in Vadodara district has made a mark in plastic manufacturing through his venture, JSP Plastics, which now boasts an annual turnover of around ₹1 crore and employs 15 workers. With sustainability in focus, Vasava is also venturing into solar energy installation, thereby expanding his business into green technology.

Another remarkable story is that of Jaya Varasat from Meghraj, Aravalli district, who, after completing CED’s training, launched Jayashree Organic Home Industry.

She now employs 25 women, exemplifying rural women's entrepreneurship and empowerment. Hitesh Patel, located in Gundlav GIDC, Valsad, also embodies this success narrative.

After completing business development training through CED, he established Standard Equipment, a company that manufactures industrial process pumps for the chemical sector.