Bangalore : The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has inaugurated the Eco Action Learning Centre (ELC) in Bangalore, a dedicated experiential training facility designed to promote sustainable rural entrepreneurship through hands-on, skill-based learning.
The Centre was inaugurated by Manisha Bhattacharya, Managing Director – Corporate Citizenship at Accenture, alongside Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, and Raman Gujral, Director – CSR Partnerships, EDII. Positioned as a hands-on training platform under the Micro Skill Development Programme (MSDP), the Eco Action Learning Centre enables rural entrepreneurs to gain real-time exposure to eco-friendly production systems and small-scale enterprise operations.
The initiative is part of a broader multi-city rollout across Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai, with further expansion planned in Bhuj during 2026–27. In total, 30 structured training programmes are being implemented, expected to directly benefit approximately 1,500 rural entrepreneurs. The Centre focuses on sustainable livelihood trades such as fruit and vegetable dehydration, handmade soaps, bag upcycling, bakery production, cold-pressed oil extraction, candle making, and millet-based food processing—sectors aligned with the growing green economy.
Speaking at the inauguration, Manisha Bhattacharya noted, “Accenture and EDII share a common vision of inclusive growth centred on building a future-ready economy. When rural entrepreneurs are provided the right ecosystem, they can scale successfully within the green economy. This Learning Centre reflects that belief and aims to deliver measurable, outcome-driven impact across regions.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla emphasised the transformative approach of the initiative, stating, “The Eco Action Learning Centre represents a shift from training to transformation. By offering hands-on exposure to sustainable production systems, we are enabling rural entrepreneurs to become self-reliant, innovative, and environmentally responsible business owners.”
Dr. Raman Gujral added, “By integrating practical learning with enterprise readiness, the initiative bridges the gap between skill development and self-employment, while advancing environmentally responsible entrepreneurship.”
The decade-long collaboration between Accenture and EDII has consistently focused on empowering rural entrepreneurs, particularly women. Many beneficiaries have transitioned from informal participation to actively engaging in local and regional markets, with several leveraging digital platforms to build independent e-commerce ventures and expand their customer base beyond their immediate geographies.