NABARD and NSDC Launch ‘Gramodyam’ to Support 4,000 Rural Entrepreneurs
Gramodyam aims to support 4,000 rural entrepreneurs over three years through a digital-first model offering training, mentorship, credit facilitation, and market linkages.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) have jointly launched ‘Gramodyam‘, a nationwide entrepreneurship development programme aimed at nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs in rural India. The initiative was unveiled by NABARD Chairman Dr. Shaji K. V. on the bank’s 45th Foundation Day.
Gramodyam is designed to identify, train, mentor, and empower rural youth by providing entrepreneurship training, business planning support, credit facilitation, and market linkages. The programme is being implemented by NSDC under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the Institute for Industrial Development (IID). During its three-year pilot phase, the initiative aims to support the creation of nearly 4,000 rural entrepreneurs through a digital-first hybrid delivery model spanning all states and union territories.
Under the programme, participants will undergo psychometric assessments, career counselling, entrepreneurship development training, industry-specific skill development, mentoring, and enterprise establishment support before launching their businesses. The initiative seeks not only to promote self-employment but also to generate local jobs and strengthen rural economies through sustainable enterprise creation.
A key feature of Gramodyam is its end-to-end credit facilitation framework. Participants will receive assistance in preparing bankable Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), applying for loans, connecting with NABARD-supported Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and other financial institutions, and accessing relevant government schemes and incentives. The programme also aims to reduce barriers to formal finance by providing digital loan application support.
To ensure transparency and effective implementation, all beneficiaries will undergo e-KYC verification through NSDC before enrolment. The programme will also leverage NSDC’s digital platform to monitor participants throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from enrolment and training completion to enterprise creation and growth. It will track key milestones, including training certification, UDYAM and GST registrations, enterprise operationalisation, and business performance, enabling continuous support and impact assessment.
Gramodyam is part of NABARD’s broader efforts to strengthen India’s rural enterprise ecosystem by combining entrepreneurship development, skill enhancement, financial inclusion, and market connectivity. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, with a focus on fostering sustainable rural livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.