Gurgaon, India, Oktober 15, 2003 – The Sehgal Foundation has initiated a program to promote self-employment amongst village youth as part of its Income Enhancement program.

Beginning in January 2003, the Foundation organized a series of community meetings, focus group discussions, and youth meetings on the issue of employment. In a key finding, it was revealed that most young men hope to find employment within the public sector. In fact, the public sector provides less than 2% of the total jobs across India. Moreover, young men report that they are disillusioned with private sector employment, and feel they are not fairly remunerated. Very few young people have considered the opportunities for self-employment.

For its part, the Foundation visited various NGOs to benefit from their experience in promoting self-employment. These groups are primarily providers of training. Follow-up to assist the establishment of small business is not within their remit. Since most of village youths in Gurgaon do not have higher education or vocational qualifications, the Foundation believed that a comprehensive initiative to promote self-employment would need to go beyond initial training.

In August 2003, the Foundation met the Director of Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSET), Gurgaon. RUDSET provides vocational training to rural youths, and also follows-up with them for two years and facilitates establishment of small businesses. Gurgaon district is one of the target districts for the institute. With the Foundation, RUDSET will hold camps to promote youth self-employment.

In September 2003 RUDSET and the Foundation conducted youth meetings in several villages. A “needs analysis” was done and information was collected. Based on their educational qualifications, work experience, capacity to invest and their readiness for training, a program is being prepared. RUDSET has also agreed to train candidates in selected trades as part of their regular programs. Trades in high demand include general business development, Computer hardware management, Beauticians, and Air Conditioner and Refrigerator repair.

The Foundation intends to work further with RUDSET during 2004. While the regular courses of RUDSET are designed for people with some relevant experience, the Foundation is working with them to address the needs of rural youth. The Foundations goal is to assist RUDSET in training village youths and to create 50 new self-employment opportunities by the end of 2004.

For further information please contact:

The Sehgal Foundation
Dr. (Ms) Ellora Mubashir;
289, Sector 17A,
Gurgaon, Haryana-122001, India