Mega Budget meeting 2024

FLO Chennai Chairperson, CMA Divya Abhishek, delivered an insightful address on the key highlights of Budget 2024, specifically focusing on initiatives aimed at women and youth skilling. Her analysis underscored the government's commitment to fostering inclusive growth and empowering these crucial demographics through
strategic investments and policy reforms.

Empowering Women through Economic Initiatives and Enhanced Financial Support for Women Entrepreneurs:
– Substantial Funds: The budget has allocated significant funds to support women entrepreneurs, aiming to reduce financial barriers and provide easier access to credit and resources.
– Incentives and Subsidies: Special incentives and subsidies for women-led startups were announced, encouraging more women to venture into entrepreneurship. Skill Development Programs:
– Training Programs: Introduction of new training programs tailored to equip women with skills needed for emerging industries, particularly in technology and digital sectors.
– Vocational Training Centers: Expansion of existing centers with a focus on high-demand skills. Women-Centric Employment Schemes:
– Employment Schemes: Launch of schemes targeting women in rural and semi- urban areas, ensuring equal job opportunities and promoting gender diversity in the workforce.
– Gender Gap Initiatives: Efforts to bridge the gender gap in traditionally male – dominated sectors, such as manufacturing and engineering.

Youth Skilling: Building a Future-Ready Workforce
National Apprenticeship Program:
– Program Expansion: Significant expansion of the National Apprenticeship Program, aiming to provide hands-on training to millions of youth across the country.
– Private Sector Collaboration: Collaboration with private sector companies to offer industry-specific apprenticeships and internships.

Tech-Driven Education:
– Digital Infrastructure: Investment in digital infrastructure for educational institutions, promoting online learning platforms and e-learning resources.
– Curriculum Updates: Introduction of coding and artificial intelligence courses in school curriculums to prepare students for the digital economy. Support for Startups and Innovation:
– Innovation Hubs: Establishment of innovation hubs and incubators in educational institutions to nurture young talent and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
– Grants and Seed Funding: Provision of grants and seed funding for youth-led startups, encouraging the development of new technologies and solutions.

Inclusive Growth and Future Prospects

In her address, the Chairperson highlighted the importance of these initiatives in driving inclusive growth and ensuring that both women and youth are well equipped to contribute to the nation’s economic development. She emphasized the need for continuous support and collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions to maximize the impact of these programs.

The Chairperson concluded by reiterating FICCI FLO Chennai's commitment to supporting these government initiatives and working towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all. This address not only highlights the significant steps being taken by the government but also serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and support these transformative initiatives. With the right support and resources, women and youth in India are poised to become key drivers of the country's growth and innovation in the years to come.

Number of people impacted – Out of 1200 attendees, 360 were women