Rs 500 crore allocated for student entrepreneurship programme

, Jan 22: As a step to encourage young entrepreneurs of the state, the

government has decided to set aside one per cent of its annual budget allocation for the Student Entrepreneurship Programme.

One per cent of what has been allotted to each department will be set aside, which would amount to Rs 500 crore approximately, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today. The decision has been taken following the interaction with five students who were sent to Silicon Valley from Kerala, he told reporters here.

The students had the chance to visit many companies and meet CEOs. Government gives priority not just for the IT sector but also for traditional sectors. Six students who are ready to start new ventures in the traditional handloom sector were also invited for the interaction, which took place as part of today’'s Cabinet meeting, he said.

Chandy said that total support and encouragement would be given by the government for the Student Entrepreneurship Programme. Already 1,000 business ideas have been received, the Chief Minister said.

PTI