VIJAYAWADA: Engineering colleges in the city have set up the ‘Entrepreneurship Development Programme Cells (EDP Cells or simply E-Cells) with the support of central government to encourage their students and other interested youth to take to entrepreneurship.
Most students admit that the E-cells have inspired them to think beyond the usual, look around for opportunities and also helped them in the execution of their ideas.
“Till now, we didn’t have much exposure to the concept of entrepreneurship, but with the awareness programmes conducted by the E-Cells with the inovlvemnt of successful entrepreneurs have given us confidence. These cells will also help us to prepare the Detailed Project Report based (based on our idea) that we need to submit to the state government for financial assistance”, said V Mounica, a final year student of PVP Siddhartha Institute of Engineering and Technology (PVPSIET).
These E-Cells play a major role in preparing the students to take up business ventures and the entrepreneurship concept is picking up in the region when compared to past two years.
Even enthusiastic youngsters from outside the colleges also can attend the workshops conducted by these cells for guidance to set up new ventures.
“I completed my B Tech in 2014 and after graduation I started helping my father in his farm. But after attending a session at the EDP cell of the PVPSIET, I have submitted my DPR to the state government regarding my start-up idea for an organic farming project and have got it approved. I have also received 30 per cent subsidy from the central and state governments for my project,” said K Ramesh from Nuzvid.