<h1>Rural Micro-Entrepreneurs Gain Startup Recognition, Access Funding and Tax Benefits Under Startup India Initiative.</h1> Under the Startup India Initiative, micro-entrepreneurs in rural areas are recognized as startups by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and can access various benefits. These include the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) with Rs. 945 crore for early-stage capital, and the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with Rs. 10,000 crore to support growth. Startups also benefit from tax exemptions, ease of procurement, self-certification under labor and environmental laws, and faster exit processes. The initiative promotes intellectual property protection and international collaboration, while the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme supports micro-enterprises in non-farm sectors.