Visit to RUDSETI
The PG Department of Economics organised Institution Visit to RUDSETI on 18th December 2024.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVITED LECTURE
- To gain insights into the training programs and methodologies employed by RUDSETI to equip participants with entrepreneurial and vocational skills.
- To understand how the institute fosters entrepreneurship and self-reliance among its trainees.
- To interact with the faculty, trainers, and participants to exchange ideas and experiences related to skill-building and entrepreneurship.

On 18th December 2024, the Postgraduate Department of Economics visited the RUDSET Institute in Mysore. This visit aimed to provide students with an understanding of the institution’s training methodologies and its role in fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship. The institute, which offers free training to both men and women, is a pioneering entity in empowering individuals to build their careers and establish businesses. Saritha K.S., Director of the RUDSET Institute, provided an insightful orientation session detailing the institution’s history, programs, and impact.
The RUDSET movement was initiated by Dr. Virendra Hegde in 1982 in Ujire, Karnataka, to address rural unemployment and promote self-reliance. The Mysore RUDSET Institution, established in 1992, has been instrumental in furthering this vision. As part of a network of 592 institutions across India, including seven in Karnataka, the Mysore branch blends traditional values with modern entrepreneurial practices to empower underprivileged communities. The institution is rooted in the traditional Gurukula Paddathi (residential schooling system), which ensures a holistic training experience by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Its training model focuses on rural participants (70%) while also accommodating urban aspirants (30%).

Programs and Training Phases
RUDSET follows a structured three-phase training model to ensure comprehensive skill development and entrepreneurial success:
1. Pre-Training Phase
- Orientation Sessions: Designed to create awareness about entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Participant Selection: Identification of candidates based on aptitude, interest, and potential.

2. Training Phase
- Agriculture Training (10 Days): Focuses on modern agricultural techniques, resource optimization, and sustainable farming practices.
- Process-Oriented Training (30 Days): Enhances skills in service-based industries, emphasizing efficiency, quality management, and customer satisfaction.
- Product Training (30 Days): Covers production techniques, quality control, branding, and market strategies for goods-based businesses.
- General Entrepreneurship Development Program (GEDP): A comprehensive program that combines entrepreneurship theory with hands-on experience.
3. Post-Training Phase
- Hand-Holding Support: Offers up to two years of mentorship and troubleshooting assistance.
- Credit Linkage: Facilitates financial support for 50% of participants to help them scale their ventures.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular follow-ups to assess progress, address challenges, and refine business strategies.
National Framework and Certification
RUDSET programs operate under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring standardized training and assessments. Certifications are issued by the National Academy RUDSET (NAR), while evaluations are managed by the National Development RUDSET (NDR) in collaboration with the National Assessment and Certification Authority (NACEA). This framework enhances the credibility and value of the training programs.
Special Features of Training
- Experiential Learning: Emphasizing the philosophy, “The Most Important Lesson Learned Yesterday” (MILLY), to encourage continuous reflection and growth.
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs (EAP): Early-stage initiatives to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and foundational skills.
- Customized Training: Tailored programs addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of rural and urban contexts.
- Skill Upgradation: Advanced workshops and training for alumni to stay updated with market trends and emerging technologies.
Institutional Impact
The Mysore RUDSET Institution has made a significant socio-economic impact, reflected in the following key areas:
- Empowering Rural Communities: By prioritizing rural participants, the institute bridges the urban-rural economic divide.
- Economic Growth: Graduates contribute to local economies through job creation, income generation, and innovative practices.
- Sustainable Development: Training in agriculture and sustainable practices ensures environmental responsibility alongside economic productivity.
- Gender Inclusion: Programs actively encourage women’s participation, promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship.
- Youth Engagement: Special initiatives target young adults, equipping them with modern entrepreneurial skills.
Overall Outcome:
Students gained in-depth knowledge about RUDSET’s structured training phases and the practical application of entrepreneurial concepts. The visit motivated students to explore entrepreneurial ventures and consider self-reliance as a viable career path. Awareness about how RUDSET’s programs contribute to economic development, sustainability, and gender equality. This enriching experience has broadened the horizons of students, encouraging them to apply the principles learned in their academic and professional pursuits.