Bhopal, Mar 28: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), an acknowledged Inter national Resource Institute Engaged in Entrepreneurship Education, Research & Training .The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), is sponsored by apex financial institutions, namely the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), IFCI Ltd. ICICI Ltd and State Bank of India (SBI). The EDI has been selected as a member of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) network of Centres of Excellence for HRD Research and Training.

According to Raman Gujral, the Regional coordinator of EDI Central India Office at Bhopal, EDI is launching a three month certificate course on Imitation jewellery designing and papier-mâché craft under the aegis of National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

During the discussion Gujral focused on need and importance of such type of capsule courses for unemployed women of Madhya Pradesh. According to him In today`s fashion market, imitation jewellery has got lots of scope and demand. Large number of consumers prefer to go for this kind of jewellery as they are very attractive than any real gold, silver or diamond jewellery and are available at much lower cost. Whole world is running on fashion these days and fashion has done a great job in providing self - employment to a big number of unemployed women.

Fashion jewellery is for the trend-conscious; for those who enjoy experimenting with new and unusual designs, shapes and colours. These are available in several colors and are very attractive. At the same time, because they are readily available and cheap the cost of manufacturing, and therefore the price of the final fashion jewellery product, drops. Such jewellery is also lighter and more accessible to people. Since fashion jewellery is sometimes a cheaper copy of real jewellery, it is also referred to as imitation jewellery.

EDI is going to provide skill training to women target group on costume jewelry which includes ornaments with symbols and messages, Charm jewellery such as mood rings, charm bracelets, Chandelier earrings, Spiral bangles and rings, Glass beads strung on nylon etc.

Raman Gujral from EDI of India also informed about 2nd certificate course on papier-mâché products based enterprises for women. According to him the papier-mâché is a unique craft that developed during the Mughal era and is still being practiced by a large number of artisans. The process of making papier-mâché items involves use of waste paper and the creative inputs of the craftsmen. A variety of utilitarian and decorative papier-mâché items are produced in central and north part of India. Madhya Pradesh is also known for papier-mâché items. The main center for papier-mâché is Ujjain but this craft is also popular in Gwalior, Ratlam and Bhopal.

The project officer Vinay Verma informed that there are 30 seats for women group in Fashion jewelry trade and 15 seats for women in papier-mâché trade. For nominations interested women can apply on 31st March, 2008 at EDI, Central India Office, 19, Chatra Pati Shivaji Colony, Chuna Bhatti, Kolar Road Bhopal, Ph: 2424015 & 9425020783. This 3 month certificate course is being organized by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), under the aegis of National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.