The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities through entrepreneurship. With Rs 115 crore dedicated to pre-built industrial units in Erode and Tiruppur, the state is setting a promising stage for emerging entrepreneurs to flourish.
A New Dawn for Entrepreneurs
The ambitious project, announced by Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Minister M Mathiventhan, promises minimal setup time for businesses ready to commence operations. These pre-built facilities in TAHDCO industrial estates ensure that aspiring business owners can hit the ground running.
According to The New Indian Express, the initiative supports not only infrastructure but also an ecosystem conducive to business growth.
Financial and Training Support
The empowerment scheme doesn’t stop at infrastructure. With an additional Rs 40 crore allocated for the ‘Uruthunai’ scheme, district cooperative banks are set to provide loans with government subsidies to small traders, entrepreneurs, and workers.
To further bolster business acumen, the TN BEAT Skill Development Training programme aims to equip SC and ST entrepreneurs with skills in vendor development, financial strategies, and digital opportunities, with an investment of Rs 50 lakh.
Building Knowledge and Skills
To cultivate the educational and professional prowess of the community, the Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation Development Scheme will introduce 40 knowledge centers across rural and urban areas. These centers aim to facilitate skill development and social programs, further bridging the gap in education and employment opportunities.
Model hostels featuring gyms, auditoriums, and multipurpose halls are planned in Chennai and Coimbatore, costing Rs 80 crore, to support the growing number of SC/ST students in higher education. High-speed internet facilities and smart boards worth Rs 3.55 crore will ensure state-of-the-art learning environments.
Modernizing Agriculture and Healthcare
Agricultural development is also on the agenda, with Rs 14 crore earmarked for the ‘Ainthinai’ project. This initiative seeks to marry traditional agricultural practices with modern sustainable technologies to innovate production in tribal areas.
Healthcare receives attention with a Rs 10 crore scheme introducing advanced facilities for addressing diseases like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. The advent of mobile ambulance services will markedly improve access to medical care in remote tribal locations.
This multi-faceted empowerment effort signals a transformative era for SC/ST communities in Tamil Nadu, ushering in new opportunities across sectors from business to education and healthcare. As stated in The New Indian Express, these initiatives are a testament to the state’s commitment to inclusive growth and development.
