Nobody will dare to change the Constitution knowing its political ramifications: Kamble

What challenges do dalit entrepreneurs face?

I will say with absolute certainty that this is the right time for the aspirational dalits to go begin startups. With a perfect ecosystem, those vying for entrepreneurship should capitalise the opportunity provided through Mudra and other startup schemes.

What about the social and financial support system?

The DICCI working with the Union government of India has created what is now described as the 3M approach – Money, Mar-kets and Mentoring– for Sched-uled Caste-Scheduled Tribes (SC- ST) entrepreneurs. This is in adherence to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of economic empowerment of the SC-STs.

Does it translate into reality?

The statistics don’t lie. I have closely worked with policy making to its execution. I can say the total number of MSME owned by SC/ STs combined is 1.05 crore. In April 2015, the Government of India made 4 per cent procurement from SC / ST MSEs mandatory. In the fiscal year 2022-23, procurement from SC-ST entrepreneurs was Rs 1546.86 crore, from 10348 entrepreneurs.

But getting funds is not that simple, right?

A) This is a misconception. Our role is to lead the eligible candidates through guidance to proper schemes. DICCI plays the role of catalyst informing candidates about financial support ranging from Rs.50,000 to Rs. 15 crore available to SC-ST entrepreneurs through Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (Support from 50,000 to 10 lakh without collateral).

Mudra is the biggest ever measure in financial inclusion that has benefited SC-STs in India. The cumulative statistics for 9 years in FY 2022-23 show:

In terms of financial support, General received INR 18.01 lakh crore, SC received INR 2.87 lakh crore, ST received INR 1.04 lakh crore, and OBC received 5.76 lakh crore.

What is DICCI’s role in addressing the socio-economic issues?

Our larger objective is economic empowerment of the dalits. I believe that dalits are a politically very aware class, both about their past and present struggles and challenges. The literacy level is 75 percent. It has to rise up to 100 per cent.

In 2024, Modi talks about Viksit Bharat? Where do dalits stand in the 2024 polls?

I am not a politician. In Viksit Bharat 2047, I see Viksit dalit. The aspirational dalits are moving forward embracing diverse and newer fields like artificial intelligence, technology, communications. In years to come they will be digitally covered 100 per cent.