Monday, December 16, 2013
Dec 12,2013, CHENNAI: The Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) is set to open its Chennai chapter next week. The opening of the city branch-- 18th chapter across 15 states --assumes significance as the most number (20,000) of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned and operated by members from the SC/ST communities are from Tamil Nadu.
"We are looking to promote entrepreneurship among the community. We are also looking to give inputs to the Centre and state governments on policies relating to Dalit entrepreneurship," Ravi Kumar Narra, co-ordinator, south India, DICCI said.
The Chennai chapter will have an initial member base of 200. Most businessmen operate in the small and medium sectors like garment manufacturing, footwear, civil construction and engineering works. The turnover of such units is below Rs 50 crore, with most companies having around just 10 people on their rolls.
DICCI was started in 2005 and now has 8,000 members. At the apex level, the body in the process of collecting funds for starting a DICCI-SME VC (venture capital fund) for entrepreneurs from the community, with a target of Rs 500 crore.
"We have started mobilizing funds and deposits from our members, other corporate and government organizations. So far, we have collected Rs 28 crore. Disbursals would start once we reach our first tranche limit, Rs 50 crore," Narra said.
The Chennai chapter is also signing an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Sri City next week to set up professional and residential housekeeping facilities that include a three-star accommodation for guests, professional and residential laundry services and transportation facilities to be owned and managed by members from the community.
"We are looking to promote entrepreneurship among the community. We are also looking to give inputs to the Centre and state governments on policies relating to Dalit entrepreneurship," Ravi Kumar Narra, co-ordinator, south India, DICCI said.
The Chennai chapter will have an initial member base of 200. Most businessmen operate in the small and medium sectors like garment manufacturing, footwear, civil construction and engineering works. The turnover of such units is below Rs 50 crore, with most companies having around just 10 people on their rolls.
"We have started mobilizing funds and deposits from our members, other corporate and government organizations. So far, we have collected Rs 28 crore. Disbursals would start once we reach our first tranche limit, Rs 50 crore," Narra said.
The Chennai chapter is also signing an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Sri City next week to set up professional and residential housekeeping facilities that include a three-star accommodation for guests, professional and residential laundry services and transportation facilities to be owned and managed by members from the community.
Source : Times of India
