₹1.5 Crore Skill Development Centre Planned in Besa to Boost Local Livelihoods and MSME Growth
By SkillCouncils News Desk
April 20, 2026
April 20, 2026
Nagpur: In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and enhancing employability, the Public Works Department (PWD) has announced plans to establish a skill development centre in Besa with an estimated investment of ₹1.5 crore. The initiative is expected to create new livelihood avenues for local youth and women while supporting the region’s growing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) ecosystem.
The project, backed by Revenue Minister and local MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reflects a focused effort to bridge the gap between skill development and income generation at the community level. Once operational, the centre will function as a multi-purpose training hub offering industry-relevant and livelihood-oriented programmes.
Focus on Self-Employment and Women Empowerment
According to senior PWD officials, the primary objective of the centre is to promote self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship, particularly among women and economically weaker sections.
“The facility is being developed specifically to promote self-employment. There are several women-led self-help groups (bachat gats) in the area, and this centre will help them scale up their activities,” a senior official stated.
The training programmes will emphasize practical, hands-on skills aligned with local market demand. Proposed courses include:
- Tailoring and garment production
- Incense stick (agarbatti) manufacturing
- Small-scale home-based business activities
- Other vocational trades suited for micro-enterprises
Infrastructure Support for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
A key highlight of the initiative is the provision of shared infrastructure and workspace, addressing a common barrier faced by aspiring entrepreneurs—lack of operational space and basic facilities.
Officials noted that the centre will act as a support system for individuals who possess skills but lack resources, enabling them to start or expand their ventures without significant upfront investment.
“If someone has the skill but not the space to work, this centre will support them,” the official added.
Convergence with Government Livelihood Schemes
The project is expected to gain further momentum through integration with the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Local authorities believe that aligning skill training with existing government schemes will enhance outcomes and ensure sustainable employment.
Bharat Nandanwar, Chief Officer of the Besa Nagar Panchayat, emphasized the importance of convergence:
“The skill development centre will host multiple training programmes and work in tandem with upcoming NULM initiatives. Together, these efforts will significantly boost employment opportunities in the region.”
Strengthening the Local Skill Ecosystem
The proposed centre is poised to play a crucial role in:
- Promoting grassroots entrepreneurship
- Enhancing women’s economic participation
- Supporting self-help groups (SHGs)
- Generating sustainable livelihoods
- Strengthening the local MSME value chain
Experts believe such localized skill infrastructure is critical for achieving the broader goals of Skill India Mission, particularly in semi-urban and peri-urban regions where access to formal training remains limited.
A Model for Community-Centric Skill Development
The Besa skill development centre represents a community-centric approach to skilling, where training is directly linked to income generation and local economic needs. By combining skill training, infrastructure support, and scheme convergence, the initiative could serve as a replicable model for other regions across India.
As India continues to focus on building a skilled workforce, projects like this underline the importance of decentralized, demand-driven skill development ecosystems that empower individuals at the grassroots level.
For more updates on skill development initiatives, government schemes, and training opportunities across India, stay connected with SkillCouncils.com.
