ANALYTICAL STUDY OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL IN MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Maharashtra, one of India’s leading economic states, is facing growing challenges related to youth unemployment in the context of rapid economic and technological change. With a large share of the population entering the workforce each year and limited capacity in traditional employment sectors, entrepreneurship has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable job creation. This study examines the role of the Maharashtra Government in empowering youth through entrepreneurial skill development, focusing on policy initiatives, implementation mechanisms, and early outcomes.

The study is based on secondary data collected from government reports, policy documents, published research, and institutional records related to skill development and entrepreneurship in Maharashtra. The data is compiled and analysed to assess the scope and effectiveness of major initiatives such as the Maharashtra State Entrepreneurship Mission (MSEM), Maharashtra Start-up Policy 2025, Maharashtra State Skill Development Mission (MSSDS), CM Yuva Udyami, and grassroots-level skill development centres.

The analysis indicates that Maharashtra has adopted a comprehensive and multi-level approach to entrepreneurship promotion. The state emphasizes early development of entrepreneurial mind-set, technical and soft skill training, access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages. District-level infrastructure, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and apprenticeship-based training have strengthened policy implementation. Initial evidence from skill development centres shows encouraging outcomes in wage employment, self-employment, and start-up creation. However, challenges remain, including regional disparities, limited program scale, barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, access to finance, regulatory complexity, and digital infrastructure gaps.

The study concludes that Maharashtra’s entrepreneurship-led model marks a significant shift from job-seeking to job-creating approaches to youth empowerment. Strengthening systemic support and addressing existing barriers will be crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.