Nirav Chauhan, mentored by Makwana started manufacturing fasteners in Gandhinagar in 2016. He had left his job of managing a local company
Being one's own boss is a rising trend among the Dalit youth, say Dalit businessmen. The youth have reconciled to the fact that jobs in government sector are limited, so it is better to find a relatively more rewarding alternative. Dalit youth are setting companies in traditional business as well as emerging technologies like Internet of Things (IoT).
"Our share of reservation in government jobs is 7 per cent. Share of government jobs in total new job generation is just 2 per cent. It means we have access to only 0.14 per cent jobs. Then why fight for a small pie. This thinking is gathering traction among Dalit youth," said Mukesh Makwana, president of petroleum vertical of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), which had started Gujarat chapter over three years ago with about 100 members. Now it has 1,700 members as regular participants and other 1,300 in remote parts of Gujarat, who are unable to participate regularly.
"I am getting close to six enquiries daily. In past six months, I have helped close to 20 Dalit youth to start their business. There is a realisation that you can lead a better life by starting your business, than from jobs. This was not the case about a decade ago," said Makwana.
Nirav Chauhan, mentored by Makwana started manufacturing fasteners in Gandhinagar in 2016. He had left his job of managing a local company. "Jobs have limitations. You work for others and therefore you don't give your 100 per cent. In business, stakes are high and you are completely dedicated. In terms of growth, sky's the limit. You can determine the lifestyle you wish to enjoy," said Chauhan. He says that the ecosystem is now ripe to promote entrepreneurship among Dalit youth. Governments are giving loans and platforms like DICCI enable networking and mentoring as well as investment. "We are expanding our unit with an investment of Rs three crore," he said.
NIRAV SPEAKS
Nirav Chauhan, mentored by Makwana started manufacturing fasteners in Gandhinagar in 2016. He had left his job of managing a local company.
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