NIRYAT BANDHU SCHEME

 

NIRYAT BANDHU SCHEME

 

INTRODUCTION 

• The Niryat Bandhu Scheme was introduced on 13 October 2011 under the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 and is overseen by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Subsequent emphasis was placed on its enhancement in the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20. This scheme is implemented was implemented in the 12th five-year plan. The total cost of the scheme was Rs. 23.23 crore. 
• It is important to learn about this scheme as India has recently achieved its target of exceeding 400 billion USD exports in which this scheme has played an important role in increasing imports from the supply side. This article will explore certain aims, features, processes and significance of this scheme.

OBJECTIVES & FACTS

This scheme has two major aims:

1. To help new and potential exporters learn about global trade through advice, training, and outreach programmes so they can start selling internationally.

2. To encourage and increase the amount of goods India sells abroad.

• The Niryat Bandhu mentoring program plays a crucial role in providing essential support and guidance to individuals planning their journey in global business. In this program, the Niryat Bandhu officer takes on the role of a mentor by guiding individuals, especially those new to international business. 

This initiative is like a 'hand-holding' experiment which means a supportive learning experience for young people entering global trade. Functioning as a mentorship initiative, it serves as a valuable resource in offering insights into the details of international trade. Officers from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) contribute their time and expertise by serving as mentors for those who have an interest in global trade.

• One of the important features of this scheme is its accessibility to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and ensuring that even smaller enterprises receive valuable guidance, support and training. It is important to note that there was significant participation during the fiscal year 2014-15, with over 18,000 individuals taking part in the orientation sessions focused on export-import business.
• In order to enhance this scheme, the Department of Commerce made certain arrangements in the program and aligned it with the objectives of the "Skill India" mission, as outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20. This strategic alignment focuses not only on the development of business but also on enhancing the skill sets necessary for success in the area of international trade.

PROCESS

• The Niryat Bandhu Scheme involves mentorship provided by field officers to new and aspiring exporters. These officers conduct counselling sessions, offer individual facilitation, and organise orientation programs to train and guide individuals for engagement in international trade.
• ELIGIBILITY: In order to be eligible to join the Niryat Bandhu Scheme and take the courses available on their portal, the participant should be an Indian citizen. The courses can be availed if the person is an Exporter/ Importer, Entrepreneur or a Student. The technical requirements for this course are a Windows-based Desktop or Laptop, Internet Connectivity and a decent Quality Headphone.
• DURATION: The "Niryat Bandhu Scheme" course is accessible on the official website (https://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/2.0/main.asp) and comprises a total of 19 sessions. The course is offered on weekdays from 6 pm to 8 pm.
• APPLICATION FEE: To enroll in the courses offered on the official website of the "Niryat Bandhu Scheme," a submission fee of Rs. 23,600/- is required.
• CERTIFICATION: The participants can be registered at the “Niryat Bandhu Scheme” portal for an online certification course.
  In September 2015, the Indian Institution of Foreign Trade launched an "Online Certificate Program on Export Business" designed for new exporters and entrepreneurs. The program featured 20 live sessions, each lasting two hours. The program accommodated a maximum of 60 participants.

NIRYAT BANDHU @ YOUR DESKTOP

• Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop is an online certificate program for export-import businesses. It started in September 2015 and is part of the Niryat Bandhu Scheme by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Indian Institute for Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, work together for this program.
• The goal of Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop is to support and inspire entrepreneurs and exporters. Experts in international trade teach the program, covering topics like export-import procedures, regulations, documentation, customs, financial schemes, currency management, and risk management.
• A website called niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in has all the details about the online certificate program. This portal is for people who want to learn about export-import business basics. Interested people can sign up for the program and get the latest updates.

CONCLUSION

• In conclusion, the Niryat Bandhu Scheme, initiated in October 2011 and overseen by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, is a cornerstone of India's Foreign Trade Policy. With an emphasis on supporting new exporters and entrepreneurs, the scheme has evolved over the years, aligning with national missions like Skill India. The Niryat Bandhu mentoring program, functioning as a 'hand-holding' experience, provides vital guidance for individuals venturing into global business, also benefiting MSMEs.
• The scheme's inclusivity is presented by its accessibility through online courses like "Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop," conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute for Foreign Trade. This program aims to empower individuals by giving them knowledge on various aspects of international trade by some experts in the field.
• Having played a key role in India surpassing its $400 billion export target, the Niryat Bandhu Scheme's impact is evident in its significant participation, with over 18,000 individuals engaging in orientation sessions during the fiscal year 2014-15. As the scheme continuously evolves, it not only contributes to the nation's export growth but also immensely helps in skill development, creating a generation of globally competitive entrepreneurs.

 

REFERENCES: 

• Admin, Niryat Bandhu scheme - why is it in the news? [UPSC] BYJUS (2022), https://byjus.com/current-affairs/niryat-bandhu-scheme/ (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
   
• Niryat Bandhu - hand holding scheme for New Export Import Entrepreneurs, Niryat Bandhu - Hand Holding Scheme for New Export Import Entrepreneurs, http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/ (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
   
• Niryat Bandhu scheme - objectives, significance, eligible, facts, byjusexamprep_img, https://byjusexamprep.com/current-affairs/niryat-bandhu-scheme (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
   
• Niryat Bandhu scheme: Aims, facts and its impact on India’s export, Testbook, https://testbook.com/static-gk/niryat-bandhu-scheme (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
   

Niryat Bandhu scheme: Aims, facts and its impact on India’s export, Testbook, https://testbook.com/static-gk/niryat-bandhu-scheme (last visited Dec 8, 2023).