SHIMLA: The HP Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (HPCED) will train 2,420 candidates across Himachal Pradesh under the PM VIKAS scheme following its selection as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA) by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The programme will focus on skill development and entrepreneurship, with a special emphasis on women’s leadership and participation in non-traditional sectors.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 29, 2026, between Ms. Neha Giri (IAS), Director, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and Smt. Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Industries-cum-Executive Director, HPCED, Himachal Pradesh.
Under the scheme, HPCED will train 1,700 women under the Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship component and 720 candidates under the Non-Traditional component, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 2,420 across the State.
The programme will provide skill development and entrepreneurship training in areas such as Mountain Cuisine, Fashion Designing, Beauty Therapy, Leadership Development and Business Mentoring (Udyami Mitra). The initiative will be implemented across various districts of Himachal Pradesh.
The project envisages comprehensive support for beneficiaries, covering mobilisation, training, certification and handholding, with the objective of enhancing employability and promoting entrepreneurship.
Smt. Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Industries-cum-Executive Director, HPCED, Himachal Pradesh said that , the initiative is expected to strengthen opportunities for youth and women while contributing to inclusive economic growth in Himachal Pradesh.