By Krishank Manne
Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar advocated that economics was crucial for social justice. His researches focused on monetary circulation in the economy and public finance especially the pattern of federal finance. He emphasised on entrepreneurship and economic justice.
Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekhar Rao’s policies can be termed as liberalised economy. He was criticised by habitual critic oppositions over the distribution of Sheep and Buffalo, but less did they realise that this scheme not only helped those communities to survive economically, but also made state to hold number one position in live stock and animal husbandry across the nation.
In 1968, world heard of Black Capitalism which was an effort of the African-American Businesses to enable Blacks to assimilate in white institutions. On these lines in 2006 an attempt for Dalit entrepreneurship came into picture. In 2006, a sector of Scheduled Castes planned to take out a rally of Dalit Capitalists wearing a ” three piece and an Umbrella ” in the roads of Delhi. The organisers under tremendous pressure from progressives called it off. But the thrust for economic equality began.
The biggest hurdle for Dalits to limit their ideas was investment. Every idea needs an initial beginning and if the individual had no liberty to think freely then he never dared to be a part of the free market. The same case was of the farmers, who’s initial worry was crop investment before the season began. Rythu Bandhu addressed the fears of lakhs of farmers, who now do not worry about the investment to purchase seeds, urea, pesticides, etc. Dalit Bandhu, the Brainchild of KCR himself aims on the same lines of 10 lakhs investment for Dalits to become entrepreneurs.
For decades, the loans for scheduled castes were mishandled. In most of the cases the units were takes by other castes, cannot avoid to mention that the beneficiaries in numerous cases were found handling away businesses for small remunerations. Dalit Bandhu is neither a subsidy nor a loan. For the first time in the country, it is an investment aid introduced by government of Telangana in which the beneficiary does not have to pay back to the government, but the scheme is being designed in such a way that the authorities can monitor the business activity of the beneficiary. The aim is not just providing financial assistance but ensuring that the income doubles and the family through this business can benefit and gain economic stability. The authorities through a bar code system can evaluate the beneficiary pursuing his business process.
Dalit Bandhu aims at liberty to think, to achieve, which was not possible in the SC corporation loans which had guidelines that made difficult for Dalits in various levels, such as bankers who became a deciding authority to grant the aid making sanctions difficult from the initial process. The fear of paying loans also curtailed Dalits to explore into business. Dalit Bandhu addresses all the concerns by making the whole process hassle free. It is only between the government directly to the beneficiary digitally transferring the 10 lakhs into their account. Government of Telangana is widely studying the traits of Business, opening vast opportunities for Dalits who have not benefitted from decades of their existence. If skill is a barrier, government as a part of this scheme will also ensure the beneficiary to be trained by experts.
The one who respects and follows Dr.BR Ambedkar’s writings, thought process is a true Dalit. Ambedkar stressed upon education and entrepreneurship. The current situation in Telangana in the education sector has been a 360° shift comparing to united Andhra Pradesh.
Gurukul schools have garnered appreciation from all corners of the country with students getting admissions into premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs. Now launching Dalit Bandhu , Scheduled Castes are anticipating it to be a game changer as youngsters are fully charged up waiting to apply with their business ideas and prospects. Earlier governments for decades have announced thousands of crores for Dalits but that never reached the poorest of families nor such schemes ever reflected upon the living conditions showing any positive change.
The Chief Minister has instructed the officials that Dalit Bandhu is more of a micro targeted policy where the focus is on a family as a unit to understand their living, output after the assistance of Rs 10lakhs and the execution resulting a per month income doubling thus helping them economically. The launch of Dalit Bandhu from the same Huzurabad which has seen a successful Rythu Bandhu, a launch pad from the same land will pave way to adaptation by other states and Centre just like Kisan Samman Nidhi and Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal . This revolutionary policy which is aimed to bring a radical change to better the lives of Dalits shall make KCR remain in dalits hearts for generations to come.
(The author is a Research Scholar at Osmania University, Hyderabad)
Also read:
Telangana fulfilling Ambedkar’s dreams: Gangula
CM to launch Telangana Dalit Bandhu from Huzurabad soon
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