Maharashtra to launch incentives for Dalit businessmen by January-end

MUMBAI: Dalit entrepreneurs in the state will soon get incentives to launch projects as part of the Maharashtra government's outreach to encourage Dalits to set up more businesses here.

The state Cabinet is likely to clear a proposal by month-end which envisages a number of sops to encourage these entrepreneurs.

The sops may include preferential allotment of MIDC land and funds to set up businesses. According to state government officials, under the new policy, every integrated township being set up in the state will see a portion of land allocated to these business people. “Besides giving land, we will also fund them through the social justice and welfare ministry and Sidbi. Tribal entrepreneurs too we will given the same incentives,“ said a state government official.

The move comes after representations from the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), which has been in talks with the Maharashtra government for some time seeking incentives. Milind Kamble, chairman and founder of DICCI, told ET that he is happy that the state government is finally coming up with such a policy.