The Ministry of Tribal Affairs announced on 22 October 2026 the signing of a Tripartite MoU to strengthen livelihood and entrepreneurship for Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth. This collaboration involves the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, the National Skill Development Corporation, and the Rourkela Steel Plant to operate the Livelihood Business Incubation Centre in Rourkela, Odisha. The centre, recognized as a Centre of Excellence, provides training in trades such as tailoring, electrics, and mushroom farming to help local ST youth start their own businesses. The release does not say when the MoU takes effect, though the centre has been operational since 2018.
Key points
- Over 600 students have already benefited from the centre and started businesses.
- Current courses include Assistant Beautician, Tailor, Computer Operator, Electrician, Bakery, and Mushroom Farming.
- Rourkela Steel Plant provides the site, while NSTFDC covers recurring expenses via Ministry of Tribal Affairs grants.
- Machinery is installed under the MSME's ASPIRE scheme.
When it applies
- Signing of Tripartite MoU
- Establishment of Livelihood Incubation Centre at Rourkela
Who it affects
- local ST youths
Refers to
- ASPIRE scheme of MSME