Shillong, Jan 6 (UNI) The Incubation and Enterprise Support Centre (IESC) at Indian Institute of Management, Shillong on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce Industry (DICCI) for the development of entrepreneurial culture among the Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes living in North East India.

“The MoU between the two organisations will advance research, entrepreneurship and MSME development projects through short-term programs, faculty exchange, and infrastructure sharing,” Chairman of the IESC, Prof Sanjeeb Kakoty said.

IIM-Shillong Director, Prof. D.P. Goyal, said, “One of the objectives of IIM Shillong is to train the people of North East to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

He said through this close monitoring and support network IIM Shillong and DICCI will help the youth transform their energy and ideas into a successful venture.

“Rooted in the idea of promoting social and business entrepreneurship in the north-east, the collaboration will also lead to sharing of experts, faculty and business mentors between IIM, Shillong and DICCI,” Prof. Goyal said.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Chairman Board of Directors at IIM, Shillong S.K. Bajoria, explained, “To achieve ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, we need to have ‘atmanirbhar’ north-east... irrespective of caste creed or colour.”

Founded in 2005 by Padma Shri Dr Milind Kamble, DICCI aims to instil the spirit of entrepreneurship among scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youth so that they can compete with the rest of the world.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the collaboration, DICCI National President, Ravi Kumar Narra, said, “The talent existing among minorities is not limited to a particular sector. Our people are into aerospace, science and technology, and information technology among others. In the last 15 years, we have been able to connect with around one lakh SC/ST entrepreneurs and hope to do more in the future.”

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