XLRI launches social programme for improving economy

Jamshedpur, Oct 18 (UNI) The XLRI, one of the top business schools in the country, has started a new formal social entrepreneurship programme for its students with a motive to promote such talents who can create jobs in the social sector for the betterment of country's economy, rather than being merely employees of various companies.

The institute also expressed the hope of starting its new Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) in a few years' time, for which a special curriculum is being prepared in consultation with several other top B-schools, including IIM-Ahmedabad.

Almost 30 social ventures and start-ups, including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation and IFMR, have expressed desire to be a part of the 'initiative for social and entrepreneurial leadership' programme for which a brochure was released today by XLRI Director E Abraham.

Later, addressing a press conference, Mr Abraham said, ''The time has come when the students should not think of working for a company but try to become creator of jobs.'' He hoped that the programme, being jointly implemented by the social initiative group committee for managerial assistance (SIGMA), a committee of XLRI that works in the social sector, and committee for research, strategy, consulting and entrepreneurship (CRESENT), would become a regular feature in the curriculum from this year.

Talking about the starting of the government-sponsored EDC, Mr Abraham said the land allotment process has just been finalised and the cell would be functional from next year.

''In this cell a separate programme for working MBAs would also be started, apart from a regular one year course for the graduates,'' he informed.

UNI RAJ DPM PD KN1815