ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION AMONG SCHEDULED TRIBE COMMUNITIES IN KERALA: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i4.2024.5758Keywords:
Scheduled Tribe Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion, Policy Support, Social Capital, Skill Development, Market Linkages, Community Development, Microfinance, Inclusive GrowthAbstract [English]
This article focuses on develops a comprehensive conceptual framework to explore the dynamic interaction between entrepreneurship development and financial inclusion within Kerala’s Scheduled tribal communities. Analyzing on recent policy initiatives, empirical studies, and the unique socio-cultural context of the state o Kerala, the framework integrates key components such as policy support, financial access, social capital, education, and market linkages. The analysis highlights how government schemes, community-based organizations, and tailored skill development programs can impact the entrepreneurial capacity and bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern business practices. The study identifies challenges including financial literacy, inadequate infrastructure, lack of collateral and socio-cultural barriers that obstruct the full participation of ST populations in formal financial systems and entrepreneurial ventures. By mapping the feedback loops between successful entrepreneurship and improved financial inclusion, the framework demonstrates how these elements reinforce each other to drive economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable community development. The article offers actionable policy recommendations for policymakers, NGOs, and financial institutions, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive interventions, microfinance innovations, and participatory planning. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and directions for future empirical research are suggested, including longitudinal studies and gender-focused analyses. Overall, this work contributes to the literature by providing an integrated, actionable model for improving inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods among India’s marginalized tribal communities, with specific relevance to the Kerala context.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Anoop P. S, Dr. Biju M. K
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