Dalit's Enterprises at the Cross-Roads: Some Field Experiences from Karnataka

Abstract

From the view point of sociological perspective, the enterprises in India are of two kinds viz., the Dalit's Enterprise (DE) and the General Enterprise (GE). Obviously, these categories are the derivatives of the given social context (which is of a stratified nature) within which the enterprises operate. While the GE doesn't require further definition, the DE does. The DE refers to who owns the enterprise, that is, from which segment of the society the owner comes and what is being produced, that is, the nature of the commodities. Characteristically, the activities of DE emanate from the ascription of the society and therefore, they are caste specific and communal in nature. These activities are stigmatized and assume inferior status in the society. Tanning activities of Dhores, Footwear production by Samagars, Basket weaving by Korachas, and Broomstick and rope making activities by Madars are a few illustrations, which signify the socio-economic status of both Dalits and their enterprise. The other characteristics of DE being (i) they are informal, operate on a small scale, household based and exclusively employ! family labour; (ii) the raw materials used is of low value and (iii) more vulnerable for threats and uncertainties in the changing business environment. The available literature on entrepreneurship development hardly emphasizes the Dalit dimension and the issues associated with it.