The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, has launched a groundbreaking initiative—Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025—under the broader Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. This initiative aims to promote tribal entrepreneurship by providing Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their innovations at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, to be held from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. With over 45 tribal-led startups participating, this effort reflects the government’s commitment to economic inclusivity, self-reliance, and grassroots innovation.
Honoring bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy
The Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and leader. His vision of a self-sufficient and empowered tribal community aligns with the government’s ongoing initiatives to promote economic and social development among Scheduled Tribes. The Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 initiative embodies this vision by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial independence among tribal communities.
Strengthening tribal entrepreneurship
Since coming to power in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has prioritised tribal welfare through several targeted initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Atma Nirbhar Tribals vision have driven multiple reforms and programs aimed at empowering tribal communities.
1. Venture capital fund for Scheduled Tribes
MoTA, in partnership with IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, has established a Rs 50 crore Venture Capital Fund to support tribal entrepreneurs. This fund is instrumental in providing seed capital, business expansion support, and financial assistance to startups founded by ST individuals.
2. Partnerships with premier institutions
The government has collaborated with prestigious institutions like IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai to provide incubation support, mentorship, and training to tribal entrepreneurs.
3. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
As part of the initiative, 300 students from EMRS and eminent technical institutes will attend a special boot camp at IIT Delhi, gaining first-hand exposure to India’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025
The Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 initiative will bring ST entrepreneurs to the forefront at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, India’s largest startup event. Over 45 tribal-led startups will:
• Showcase their innovations at dedicated stalls.
• Network with venture capitalists, unicorn founders, and industry leaders.
• Participate in technical sessions aimed at market expansion and funding opportunities.
This exposure will help tribal startups gain investments and mentorship, setting them on the path to success.
Government’s broader efforts for tribal development
The BJP government has consistently worked towards the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities. Some significant initiatives include:
1. Van Dhan Yojana (2018)
• Aimed at empowering tribal communities by enhancing their role in the value chain of forest products.
• Establishment of 37,000+ Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) benefiting over 10 lakh tribal entrepreneurs.
2. PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission
• Focused on sustainable livelihood and skill development for STs.
• Includes entrepreneurship training, market linkages, and digital literacy programs.
3. TRIFED’s E-Marketplace and Tribes India Outlets
• Digital and physical platforms to showcase tribal products globally.
• Launched initiatives like Go Tribal Campaign to promote handmade tribal goods.
4. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 & Tribal Education Initiatives
• Focus on indigenous knowledge and skill-based education.
• Expanding Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to provide quality education for tribal students.
Vision for a Viksit Bharat
Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, emphasised that tribal entrepreneurs play a crucial role in India’s economic and cultural heritage. Startup Mahakumbh 2025 aims to provide them with capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping them expand to national and global platforms.
MoTA Secretary, Shri Vibhu Nayar, highlighted that fostering tribal entrepreneurship is a key step toward self-reliance. By providing platforms such as Startup Mahakumbh, tribal startups will receive the support needed to thrive in India’s fast-growing economy.
The Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to self-reliance, inclusive growth, and tribal empowerment. By integrating tribal entrepreneurs into India’s booming startup ecosystem, the initiative ensures that ST youth and business owners have access to world-class resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
As India marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, tribal entrepreneurship will be a crucial pillar in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic development. Through initiatives like Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025, the government is ensuring that tribal startups do not just survive but thrive in the global marketplace.
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