The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), led by Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State (Independent Charge), along with his role as Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, Government of India, emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to equipping the youth for global opportunities.
This initiative is aligned with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047” (Developed India 2047). His remarks were made during a significant event hosted by Flipkart, India’s premier homegrown e-commerce platform, which celebrated its five-year journey through a special event dedicated to empowering the nation’s artisans, weavers, self-help groups (SHGs), women, and rural entrepreneurs.
During this milestone event, Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as part of the Samarth initiative. The primary goal of this partnership is to enhance the skills of thousands of employable youths across India, preparing them for roles in the e-commerce and supply chain sectors.
This collaboration is being carried out under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, which aims to provide extensive training and certification programs. The Flipkart team offers a comprehensive learning experience consisting of seven days of intensive classroom training, followed by 45 days of practical, hands-on exposure at Flipkart’s facilities.
This approach is expected to significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth by equipping young individuals with the skills required for successful careers in the evolving marketplace. Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the government’s unwavering dedication to supporting artisans and preserving the diverse crafts that are integral to India’s cultural heritage.
He praised the collaboration between MSDE and Flipkart’s SCOA, noting that this partnership is a crucial step towards enabling youth to excel in the modern job market. He emphasized that integrating traditional crafts with digital platforms through the Samarth program is paving the way for the advancement of India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.
Furthermore, Chaudhary stressed the importance of industry partnerships for success. He pointed out that initiatives like Samarth are unlocking new opportunities for young people to engage with the evolving work culture and acquire essential future-oriented skills.
Flipkart, with its global ambitions, has made a significant impact by empowering women entrepreneurs and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, positively affecting 1.8 million livelihoods. The launch of their Academy focused on logistics, warehousing, and related sectors further demonstrates Flipkart’s ongoing contribution to the broader e-commerce ecosystem and India’s development.
The event was attended by over 250 industry leaders, sellers, artisans, weavers, craftsmen, and SHGs, all of whom gathered to celebrate and elevate India’s rich cultural heritage. The occasion was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Jayant Chaudhary, Atul Kumar Tiwari (IAS), Secretary of MSDE, and Sonal Mishra (IAS), Joint Secretary of MSDE.
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart Group, remarked on the significance of the Samarth initiative, stating that the five-year milestone celebration highlights their commitment to empowering artisans, weavers, and MSMEs across Bharat. Over the past five years, Samarth has positively impacted 1.8 million livelihoods, preserved over 100 traditional art forms, and supported the growth of thousands of sellers.
Looking ahead, the partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship aims to further equip India’s youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy, ensuring that the legacy of India’s rich heritage continues to flourish through future generations.
The Flipkart Samarth event also featured a compelling panel discussion on the future of artisan empowerment. Distinguished industry leaders such as Ateesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of MSME; Mahendra Payaal, Chief Program Officer at the National Skills Development Corporation; Simmi Nanda, Co-Founder and Director of BeUnic; and Meenu Chopra, Executive Director of the All-India Artisans & Craftworkers Welfare Association, engaged in discussions about the future of India’s artisan community.
They explored the critical role of skill development and the significant impact of e-commerce in expanding market access for artisans. As part of the event, Flipkart introduced the ‘Samarth storefront’ named Indian Roots on its app. This virtual platform provides artisans, weavers, and MSMEs with unprecedented access to a national market, allowing them to showcase their unique products to over 500 million customers across India.
The event served as a vital forum for government leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders to discuss and explore the future of artisan empowerment in the digital era. The gathering underscored the importance of merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create sustainable livelihoods for millions.
