India is equipped with 785 districts and the government has an ambitious plan for the districts. The government is to ensure that each district should have at least one registered startup by 2025. Data reveals that only 20-25 districts are without any startup. Hence, the goal seems promising. The initiative is being led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and it promises to transform the economic landscape of India.
More than 100 districts lacked DPIIT-recognized startups by March 31 of 2023. The number has significantly reduced today and thanks to the persistent efforts from various stakeholders. The remaining districts are in remote regions of northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Sikkim. Certain districts plagued by left-wing extremism in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana are also without any startup.
Startups are business entities and cat as catalysts of economic growth as well as innovation. The Startup India scheme of center has recognized more than 100,000 startups and aims to foster entrepreneurship. The scheme also simultaneously aims to create job opportunities. Startups encourage local innovation, boost employment and contribute to the economy of the regions.
It is to note that reaching the last mile is always tough. The northeastern states and left-wing extremism-affected areas are challenging. The challenges are from security concerns and geopolitical issues. The local populations also face lack of awareness. Moreover, creation of new districts has complicated the task further. The district count in Rajasthan has surged from 33 to over 50. This has added new targets for the initiative.
The DPIIT is now collaborating with academic institutions, state and district administrations for the purpose and accelerate existing startups. The efforts are essential in regions where entrepreneurship is not a well-known concept.
