Miles to go for Dalit entrepreneurs
On Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary on Tuesday, political parties across the spectrum tried to stake claim on his legacy. Since Independence, governments have introduced schemes to improve the social and economic conditions of Dalits. The current government at the Centre, too, has introduced affirmative action programmes such as Stand Up India, aiming to support entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and women. One example of a successful Dalit entrepreneur is Santosh Kamble, 37, who supplies nylon and leather bags to companies in Mumbai, materials for which he sources from 100-odd small units in Dharavi. Kamble's business is thriving and he plans to open a plant in Bhiwandi. ALSO READ: Ambedkar birth anniversary: Politicians compete to claim inheritance to his legacy Kamble says government initiatives and an increasing awareness among corporate groups are slowly changing the environment for Dalit bus...