CASE Construction Equipment has introduced the second phase of its LEAD (Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Awareness Development) project across various cities in India. The initiative aims to promote rural entrepreneurship and economic empowerment by equipping rural youth with entrepreneurial skills. This effort is designed to decrease urban migration and promote reverse migration, fostering sustainable development in rural areas.
Building on the success of its initial phase, the LEAD 2.0 initiative will target youth in an additional 1,500 villages across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, and Jharkhand. The project focuses on creating awareness about subsidiary income generation avenues in the agriculture and infrastructure sectors through training programs conducted via a mobile training centre van.
The LEAD 2.0 initiative aims to educate young talent on essential sectors for rural development, including modern farming techniques, sustainable practices in agriculture, and rural industries like poultry, dairy, beekeeping, and fisheries. Additionally, it emphasises rural infrastructure development, particularly road construction and irrigation. By imparting knowledge and skills in these areas, LEAD 2.0 seeks to empower regional youth, helping them to create subsidiary income generation avenues. This initiative addresses the challenges of unemployment and economic disparity in rural areas, fostering balanced economic development and promoting self-reliance among the rural population.
Launching the LEAD 2.0 initiative, Emre Karazli, Vice President Construction Segment, APAC & AME, stated, “At CASE, we support inclusive growth and recognize the vital role that rural entrepreneurship plays in fostering comprehensive economic development. With LEAD 2.0, we reaffirm our commitment to giving the nation’s youngsters in rural areas the resources and opportunities they need to participate in the expanding economy.”
Shalabh Chaturvedi, Managing Director, CASE Construction Equipment – India & SAARC, added, “Aligning with India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ CASE has taken a significant step in enhancing the skills of rural youth by connecting them with opportunities and raising awareness. This initiative not only educates individuals in rural areas but also contributes towards socio-economic development in these regions. Through LEAD 2.0, our goal is to address unemployment, bridging the skill gap within the relevant sectors, where there is a high demand for skilled labour.”
The initial phase, LEAD 1.0, made a significant impact across five states and one union territory, encompassing 38 districts and reaching 3,113 villages. With an audience footfall of 61,981, the project saw 36,381 participants actively engaging in presentations. This widespread participation underscores the project’s success in empowering rural communities and highlights the necessity of continuing and expanding the initiative.
In response to the challenges of unemployment and economic disparity in rural areas, CASE is committed to fostering rural entrepreneurship in India. By collaborating with local partners and stakeholders, the company aims to implement innovative solutions that address these issues and are tailored to the unique needs of each region.