Tribal Welfare and Entrepreneurship Development in Jharkhand

Abstract

Government of India has been taking several measures to create alternate sustainable livelihood options for the tribal community in India. As part of this overall initiative of the government, on behalf of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, FICCI and Socio-Economic Development Foundation (FICCI SEDF) initiated a pilot project - 'Tribal Welfare and Entrepreneurship Development in the State of Jharkhand' this year to understand the possibilities of tribal entrepreneurship development in two districts of Jharkhand' Khunti and Gumla. The overall objective of the study was to understand the present means of livelihood of the tribal community in the two identified districts, identify the challenges faced by the existing tribal entrepreneurs present in the area, and develop suitable strategies to help the tribal entrepreneur community overcome its current problems. The key findings of the study suggest that tribal entrepreneurs in Khunti and Gumla are engaged in multiple activities but are facing numerous livelihood challenges. The scale of operation of most of the tribal entrepreneurs is low and profit margins are constrained. Many of the tribal entrepreneurs have however shown willingness to learn new skills and upscale their business activities to expand their livelihood options and increase income levels. Marketing of the products is a challenging task for tribal people. The study reveals that they need strong handholding and support at all stages of the value chain. Additionally, entrepreneurship development and business management skills should be imparted to the tribal people to equip them with necessary business skills and encourage them to strengthen their business activities. They should also be apprised of the different government schemes and benefits that they can avail for setting up or upscaling their businesses.