Editor,
The first ever startup challenge by the state government was launched on the 34th Statehood Day in 2020 with the aim of finding and supporting promising aspiring entrepreneurs with monetary, incubation and pre-incubation support.
The initiative was praiseworthy because, unlike other welfare projects, it was free from interference of local MLAs and official from the state. Hence, no nepotism.
The IIM, Kolkata was handed over for whole evaluation process and application were done in online mode. Hence, candidates were satisfied with the whole evaluation process, except for last minute decision to select the top 31 instead of top 50 without prior notice or citing reason for that matter.
Meanwhile, the final pitching round of top 50 for top 10 was concluded at DK Convention Centre on 18 February, 2021. On 19 February, 2021, the top 31 selected participants instead of top 50 were announced on the CM’s official Facebook page and portal apstartup.in.
Since, then we are eagerly waiting for monetary support and further incubation and pre-incubation programmes. However, till date we aren’t informed by the authority concerned regarding the time, venue and other related programme to be conducted.
More than two months have lapsed since the result was announced.
I wonder whether the government is really serious and committed to create an atmosphere of entrepreneurship amongst the citizens, especially the youth, to reduce the dependence on government jobs and help the youth become self-employed job givers than job seekers.
Nevertheless, I believe that under the leadership of CM Pema Khandu, the government will keep its promise and will not disappoint the entrepreneurs.
I request the authority concerned for disbursal of monetary support at the earliest, although incubation and pre-incubation training should be conducted later, taking into consideration the current Covid-19 situation.
Participant,
Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Challenge, 2021