Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has almost put a grinding halt to the world’s economy. It has taken such a toll on the economy that the market is struggling to come to terms with the economic damage that the world has witnessed in decades. During this uncertain time, rural enterprises across India have also been impacted. But some of the entrepreneurs supported by EDII under SVEP have shown resilience and demonstrated that even in such tough and testing times, they can rise to the challenge and convert an adversary into an opportunity.
One such example is micro-entrepreneurs trained in stitching. They are the ones who are contributing immensely in the efforts to prevent COVID-19 spread by making face masks and supplying them to the local authorities, wholesalers and retailers. In this time of crisis, 39 CRP-EPs from 14 SVEP blocks worked in COVID-19 relief operations undertaken by the local administration. They supported the entrepreneurs in supply and distribution of masks, provided services in the free kitchen and food distribution to migrants and daily wagers. They also worked for the local authorities and contributed in spreading awareness and advisories related to COVID.
This edition focuses on activities carried out in the pre- and post-lockdown period and gives a glimpse of two outshining enterprises promoted under SVEP .