CASE Construction Equipment, a brand of CNH, has launched the second leg of its LEAD (Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Awareness Development) project across cities in India to promote rural entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. By equipping rural youth with entrepreneurial skills, the initiative aims to decrease urban migration while promoting reverse migration. 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 center van.
The LEAD 2.0 initiative, launched in Faridabad, builds on the success of its initial phase by targeting the youth in an additional 1500 villages located in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, and Jharkhand. This second edition focuses on training young talents for crucial sectors of rural development. They include agriculture with modern farming techniques and sustainable practices, rural industries such as poultry, dairy, bee farming, and fisheries, and rural infrastructure with an emphasis on road construction and irrigation. The LEAD 2.0 project aims to empower regional youth by helping them create subsidiary income opportunities. This initiative addresses unemployment and economic disparity in rural areas, fostering balanced economic development and promoting self-reliance among the rural population.
Emre Karazli, Vice President Construction Segment, APAC & AME, CNH stated: “At CNH, 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.”
Speaking about the project, Shalabh Chaturvedi, Managing Director, CASE Construction Equipment – India & SAARC said, “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 skills 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 5 states and 1 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 importance 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.