Jamia Millia Islamia Trains Women Entrepreneurs Under PM VIKAS

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 12 May 2026

• Jamia Millia Islamia completed the first batch of its women entrepreneurship programme
• PM VIKAS initiative aims to train 450 women in leadership and business skills
• Neha Giri praised the programme for empowering youth and women

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Jamia Millia Islamia completed the first batch of its ‘Basics of Leadership Development’ program under the Crafting Nations – Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan Scheme initiative on January 18, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs through leadership and business training.

The initiative is being led by JMI's Vice Chancellor, Professor Mazhar Asif. Funds for the program are being provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and its focus is to educate 450 females regarding entrepreneurship and leadership development.

The first class of graduates was held on April 22, and certificates were issued May 8, according to an announcement made by the JMI. 

Neha Giri, IAS, Director of PM VIKAS, Ministry of Minority Affairs also attended the graduation ceremony, as stated by Professor Saima Saeed, JMI Chief Public Relations Officer. 

During her interaction with the students who successfully completed the training program, as well as participants in the ongoing batches, Neha appreciated the efforts of CIE in empowering youth through leadership and skill development initiatives, the statement said.​

She urged students to build their communication, leadership, and entrepreneurial capabilities so that they could make a meaningful contribution to nation-building and community development.

Neha also stressed the significance of these capacity-building endeavours that are part of PM VIKAS to provide young people with the skills, confidence, and self-reliance necessary to succeed as members of the community.

According to the statement, the delegation from the Ministry of Minority Affairs also met with the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar, Professor Rizvi, to commend him for the university's leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills-based education.

Professor Rihan Khan Suri, the Director of the CIE, presented an overview of the activities and achievements of the Centre for entrepreneurs.

In his presentation, Professor Rihan described the range of support for entrepreneurship development programs; innovations; incubation; skill-training programs; and support for start-up businesses that had been provided by the Centre (CIE) to its students and potential entrepreneurs.

To conclude the program, certificates were given to all of the successful participants and a vote of thanks was extended on behalf of all program participants to each of the dignitaries, faculty members, trainers, and students for their assistance and participation in making the program a success.