Empowering Uttarkashi through Entrepreneurial Education: A Pathway to Sustainable Employment and Regional Prosperity

Abstract

Uttarakhand's heavy reliance on agriculture and tourism has contributed to significant youth unemployment, as these sectors offer only seasonal and limited job opportunities. This study explores entrepreneurial education as a strategic solution to equip the youth of Uttarkashi, particularly in the district of Uttarkashi, with the necessary skills to establish their own ventures. By fostering entrepreneurship, the research aims to stimulate local economies and promote sustainable socio-economic development.

Focusing on higher education institutions and vocational training programs, this study evaluates the current landscape of entrepreneurial education and its impact on students' career prospects and business aspirations. Employing a quantitative research design, data was gathered from students through structured questionnaires. A random sampling method was utilized across Uttarkashi to capture diverse perspectives from both industrially active and resource-abundant regions. The study's hypothesis investigates the correlation between entrepreneurial education and key outcomes such as unemployment reduction and skill enhancement, employing various statistical tests for analysis.

The findings indicate that entrepreneurial education has a significant positive effect in mitigating unemployment, strengthening entrepreneurial competencies, and diversifying the local economy. The research further underscores the need for a robust support system, including curriculum integration, vocational training, and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors. Ultimately, this study seeks to offer policy recommendations to enhance Uttarakhand’s entrepreneurial education framework, fostering self-employment, economic resilience, and a cultural shift towards entrepreneurship among the youth.