Tribal entrepreneurs are drivers of India’s progress: Tribal Affairs Minister

Tribal communities are not just “beneficiaries” of government schemes, but “drivers of India’s progress”, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram said on Tuesday (November 11, 2025), speaking on the eve of the Tribal Business Conclave 2025.

The conclave, being hosted by the Ministry to facilitate business linkages and attract investments for tribal entrepreneurs across India, is part of the Union government’s celebration of tribal icon Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary year.

A Chief Executive Officers’ forum, knowledge sharing events, masterclasses, a ‘Roots to Rise’ event featuring pitching sessions, exhibitions, and pavilions are all part of the conclave, which is being promoted as a space where “policymakers, industry leaders, investors, innovators, and tribal entrepreneurs will be coming together on a common platform”.

Scheduled to be held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, the Tribal Business Conclave will feature Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as the chief guest, with the Ministers of Tribal Affairs and Culture also in attendance as guests of honour.

‘Concrete change’

“This Conclave is born out of conviction that tribal entrepreneurs deserve to be at the centre of India’s economic progress, especially as our economy and opportunities evolve so rapidly,” Mr. Oram told The Hindu, in a written interaction. “Our tribal communities have always shown skill, wisdom, and resilience, but often missed chances to engage with mainstream markets or investors,” he added.

The government hopes the event will bring “concrete change” for tribal entrepreneurs, facilitating new enterprises, deeper skills, and greater access to markets. The numbers of business linkages and actual investments, and the number of entrepreneurs whose livelihoods are “actually improved” are among the key metrics the Ministry will use to assess the conclave’s success, Mr. Oram said.

Spotlight on tribal entrepreneurs

Asked how this conclave will be different from trade fairs, exhibitions, and marketplace activities that are routinely organised by institutions like the TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), Mr. Oram said, “This is a transformative national platform.”

“What sets the conclave apart is its deep focus on tribal entrepreneurs, their stories, ideas, and aspirations,” he said, adding that all aspects of the event have been designed to “honour the unique journey of tribal enterprises, with knowledge sessions, innovation showcases, and recognition of excellence”.

“This event is about creating real opportunities, not just displays. It is about empowering tribal communities to lead, with confidence, pride, and purpose,” he said.