About the organization
ASSOCHAM Center for Excellence
Though the tribal population constitutes 8% of India’s population, they represent an enormous diversity of groups in regards to language, linguistic traits, ecological setting, physical attributes, modes of livelihood, level of development, etc. This wide heterogeneity gives rise to both opportunities and challenges for their overall socio-economic development. The tribal segment has a huge potential that still remains untapped due to different reasons, one of them being a lack of awareness about tribal heritage and ignorance about the range and diversity they produce across the country.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India along with the apex industry body, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), will work for the upliftment of our tribal communities through the joint initiative of the Centre of Excellence (CoE).
It will strive to address the issues faced by the tribal community, explore avenues of promotion to create a robust tribal brand identity and in turn, build and enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of the tribal artisans.
About Project
Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme (TEDP)
A three-year initiative, this entrepreneurial program identifies artisans engaged in segments like tribal textiles, paintings and wall art, superfoods among other things, Traditional medicinal plants, products, and forest produce. Around 1000 artisans were selected for the program from all across the country. The tribes, who’ve been selected pan-India, will be assessed and the training module will be designed based on that. The training will be aimed at improving the skillset based on the area of their expertise and developing new designs for their products as per market demand. Skills to market products on various platforms, maintain checks and balances, and better accounting practices for managing finances are taught and emphasized upon.
TEDP is aimed at ensuring the quality of life of the last man in the line and strengthening tribal entrepreneurship. The training of tribal entrepreneurs will be initiated, based on training needs, assessment, and analysis of market needs. Through the assessment, the need for skill-based training and pieces of training required to improve the marketability of products will be determined. The duration, mode, and type of training will be finalized based on discussion with trainers and artisans. Considering issues associated with COVID-19, online training will be preferred wherever possible. The kind of training envisaged are as follows…
1. Product types
The artisans will be introduced to new product types and designs, in line with market demands. Trainers with an understanding of market needs, trends, and demands will be selected for imparting the training.
2. Quality improvement
The training will be designed to improve the quality of products. It would essentially be skill-based training, where the trainees would be informed about the quality issues of their products and trained to improve better quality products. The criteria for quality include the finish of the products, the materials used to make them, and its durability.
3.Product designs
The training includes product design and product types. While the former helps artisans to improve the colours, the latter helps to compete with similar products in the market.
4. E commerce
The training will help artisan groups get familiar with e-commerce websites to provide an alternate avenue for the sale of products. The feasibility of linking artisans to digital platforms like e-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, etc will need to be checked before imparting this training.
5. Accounting
Establishments or artisans facing issues with accounting are trained in it. In case the entrepreneurs are found to be tech-savvy, they will be trained in the use of accounting software like Tally.
6. Marketing
The entrepreneurs are trained to establish linkages with commercial establishments and to advertise their products for better consumer awareness. Producers of food items and forest products are taught to highlight the benefits of using these products. It includes publication of product catalogues and brochures as well as participation in national and international fairs and expos. Tie-ups with branded outlets in shopping malls and popular high street corners are part of the training.
7. Training to obtain business loans
The trainees are told about loan schemes of banks and financial institutions, including the Mudra loans and the criterias needed to obtain them.
8. Awareness of Government schemes
Information on prevalent government schemes to help tribal artisans are imparted. Modalities required to access the schemes are also shared.
9. Inventory management
Bulk manufacturers of art products are taught to manage their product inventories through barcoding or by maintaining material registers. Training programs from amongst those listed on the website are selected based on the needs, resources, and interests of tribal groups.