Visakhapatnam, 24 Nov (KNN) National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised an event on Monday, promoting entrepreneurship amongst the tribal community at Visakhapatnam in association with TRICOR-Andhra Pradesh.

This initiative was part of  celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, 75thAnniversary of Indian Independence with an aim to encourage successful entrepreneurs, a

It marked the final day of the week planned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, to commemorate “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas” on 15th November, the birth anniversary of BhagwanBirsa Munda.

As a part of this exuberant effort and in tune with the mandate of the Corporation i.e. to promote sustainable livelihood income generation activities through its various financing schemes designed for its target group, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and NSTFDC honoured 86 ST Entrepreneurs from the across the southern states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Odisha, said the release.

Women entrepreneurs were a significant part among the felicitated entrepreneurs who have established successful businesses in different sectors.

Along the lines of the event, a small scale exhibition was arranged showcasing tribal products.

Anil Kumar Jha, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs was the Chief Guest and Kantilal Dande, Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Tribal Welfare Department was the special guest.

Jha, in his key note address urged the government, public, private to come forward to support the enterprises set up by tribals.  He also emphasized the potential of the traditional skills set of the tribals like healing practices, herbal medicines and natural remedies.

Asit Gopal highlighted the various income generating schemes of NSTFDC including the flagship scheme namely Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana an exclusive scheme to empower the tribal women. He emphasized on the significance of encouraging the first generation entrepreneurs.

The representatives of various industrial forum like ASSOCHAM, DICCI, CII also spoke about their role in fostering tribal entrepreneurs. Mentors from the Going Online As Leaders (GOAL) Program of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs also spoke on scope of digital initiatives for development of STs.

P.A. Sobha, Managing Director, Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC) Ltd. talked about the various marketing initiatives taken for the business development of the STs.

NSTFDC Board Members, Yatinder Prasad, JS&FA, Ministry of Tribal Affairs,  Deepika Kispotta, Dy. General Manager, IDBI Bank and Ravindra Babu, Managing Director, TRICOR-Andhra Pradesh were present on the occasion.