Vrinda Bhardwaj
LawDocs
8 December 2023
NIRYAT BANDHU SCHEME
INTRODUCTION
o The Niryat Bandhu Scheme was introduced on 13 October 2011 under the Foreign Trade
Policy 2009-14 and is overseen by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Subsequent emphasis was placed on its
enhancement in the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20. This scheme is implemented was
implemented in the 12th five-year plan. The total cost of the scheme was Rs. 23.23 crore.
o It is important to learn about this scheme as India has recently achieved its target of
exceeding 400 billion USD exports in which this scheme has played an important role in
increasing imports from the supply side. This article will explore certain aims, features,
processes and significance of this scheme.
OBJECTIVES & FACTS
This scheme has two major aims:
1. To help new and potential exporters learn about global trade through advice, training, and
outreach programmes so they can start selling internationally.
2. To encourage and increase the amount of goods India sells abroad.
o The Niryat Bandhu mentoring program plays a crucial role in providing essential support
and guidance to individuals planning their journey in global business. In this program, the
Niryat Bandhu officer takes on the role of a mentor by guiding individuals, especially
those new to international business.
This initiative is like a 'hand-holding' experiment which means a supportive learning
experience for young people entering global trade. Functioning as a mentorship initiative,
it serves as a valuable resource in offering insights into the details of international trade.
Officers from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) contribute their time and
expertise by serving as mentors for those who have an interest in global trade.1
o One of the important features of this scheme is its accessibility to Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs)2 and ensuring that even smaller enterprises receive valuable
guidance, support and training. It is important to note that there was significant
participation during the fiscal year 2014-15, with over 18,000 individuals taking part in the
orientation sessions focused on export-import business.
1
Niryat Bandhu's mentoring program guides newcomers in global business, providing essential support for navigating
international trade complexities.
2
CLOSURE OF TOLL PLAZAS - SANSAD.IN, https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/257/AS181.pdf?source=pqars (last visited Dec 15,
2023).
o In order to enhance this scheme, the Department of Commerce made certain arrangements
in the program and aligned it with the objectives of the "Skill India" mission, as outlined
in the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20. This strategic alignment focuses not only on the
development of business but also on enhancing the skill sets necessary for success in the
area of international trade.
PROCESS
o The Niryat Bandhu Scheme involves mentorship provided by field officers to new and
aspiring exporters. These officers conduct counselling sessions, offer individual
facilitation, and organise orientation programs to train and guide individuals for
engagement in international trade.
o ELIGIBILITY: In order to be eligible to join the Niryat Bandhu Scheme and take the
courses available on their portal, the participant should be an Indian citizen. The courses
can be availed if the person is an Exporter/ Importer, Entrepreneur or a Student. The
technical requirements for this course are a Windows-based Desktop or Laptop, Internet
Connectivity and a decent Quality Headphone.
o DURATION: The "Niryat Bandhu Scheme" course is accessible on the official website
(https://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/2.0/main.asp) and comprises a total of 19 sessions. The
course is offered on weekdays from 6 pm to 8 pm.
o APPLICATION FEE: To enroll in the courses offered on the official website of the
"Niryat Bandhu Scheme," a submission fee of Rs. 23,600/- is required.
o CERTIFICATION: The participants can be registered at the “Niryat Bandhu Scheme”
portal for an online certification course.
In September 2015, the Indian Institution of Foreign Trade launched an "Online
Certificate Program on Export Business" designed for new exporters and entrepreneurs.
The program featured 20 live sessions, each lasting two hours. The program
accommodated a maximum of 60 participants.3
NIRYAT BANDHU @ YOUR DESKTOP
o Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop is an online certificate program for export-import
businesses. It started in September 2015 and is part of the Niryat Bandhu Scheme by the
Ministry of Commerce & Industry4. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
and the Indian Institute for Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, work together for this
program.
3
certification, MOOC ON SKILLS FOR EXPORT & IMPORT MANAGEMENT : DGFT, IIFT,
https://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/exim/MoocPage.asp?id=certificate (last visited Dec 15, 2023).
4
niryat bandhu @ desktop , NIRYAT BANDHU - HAND HOLDING SCHEME FOR NEW
EXPORT IMPORT ENTREPRENEURS, https://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/2.0/about.asp (last
visited Dec 15, 2023).
o The goal of Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop is to support and inspire entrepreneurs and
exporters. Experts in international trade teach the program, covering topics like export-
import procedures, regulations, documentation, customs, financial schemes, currency
management, and risk management.
o A website called niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in has all the details about the online certificate
program. This portal is for people who want to learn about export-import business basics.
Interested people can sign up for the program and get the latest updates.
CONCLUSION
o In conclusion, the Niryat Bandhu Scheme, initiated in October 2011 and overseen by the
Directorate General of Foreign Trade, is a cornerstone of India's Foreign Trade Policy.
With an emphasis on supporting new exporters and entrepreneurs, the scheme has evolved
over the years, aligning with national missions like Skill India. The Niryat Bandhu
mentoring program, functioning as a 'hand-holding' experience, provides vital guidance for
individuals venturing into global business, also benefiting MSMEs.
o The scheme's inclusivity is presented by its accessibility through online courses like
"Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop," conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute for
Foreign Trade. This program aims to empower individuals by giving them knowledge on
various aspects of international trade by some experts in the field.
o Having played a key role in India surpassing its $400 billion export target, the Niryat
Bandhu Scheme's impact is evident in its significant participation, with over 18,000
individuals engaging in orientation sessions during the fiscal year 2014-15. As the scheme
continuously evolves, it not only contributes to the nation's export growth but also
immensely helps in skill development, creating a generation of globally competitive
entrepreneurs.
REFERENCES:
o Admin, NIRYAT BANDHU SCHEME - WHY IS IT IN THE NEWS? [UPSC] BYJUS (2022),
https://byjus.com/current-affairs/niryat-bandhu-scheme/ (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
o Niryat Bandhu - hand holding scheme for New Export Import Entrepreneurs, NIRYAT
BANDHU - HAND HOLDING SCHEME FOR NEW EXPORT IMPORT ENTREPRENEURS,
http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/ (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
o Niryat Bandhu scheme - objectives, significance, eligible, facts, BYJUSEXAMPREP_IMG,
https://byjusexamprep.com/current-affairs/niryat-bandhu-scheme (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
o Niryat Bandhu scheme: Aims, facts and its impact on India’s export, TESTBOOK,
https://testbook.com/static-gk/niryat-bandhu-scheme (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
o Niryat Bandhu scheme: Aims, facts and its impact on India’s export, TESTBOOK,
https://testbook.com/static-gk/niryat-bandhu-scheme (last visited Dec 8, 2023).
