NMDFC and DICCI Sign MoU to Empower Marginalized Communities through Entrepreneurship

New Delhi: In a significant move to promote entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) and the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Cabinet Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. The ceremony took place at the Nalanda Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The signing event was attended by distinguished personalities, including Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Padma Shree Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman of DICCI, Dr. Abha Rani Singh, CMD of NMDFC, along with other senior officers from both organizations.

This partnership aims to drive socio-economic empowerment and self-reliance by leveraging the expertise and resources of NMDFC and DICCI. By focusing on fostering entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, the MoU sets the stage for creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration between NMDFC and DICCI is a significant step towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. By promoting entrepreneurship, we are empowering individuals to become job creators and role models, transforming lives and communities across the nation.”

Since its inception in 1994, NMDFC has provided concessional finance for self-employment and income-generation activities, benefiting over 24 lakh families from minority communities with credit support exceeding Rs. 9,000 crore. On the other hand, DICCI has been at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurship among marginalized groups and nurturing business leadership for sustainable growth.

The MoU outlines the following key objectives:

1. Create Awareness: Encouraging entrepreneurship as a viable and empowering career option.
2. Provide Credit Support: Helping entrepreneurs establish self-employment ventures that generate jobs for others.
3. Policy Advocacy: Facilitating sustainable business practices and ground-level implementation of developmental policies.
4. Inspire Youth: Promoting entrepreneurship as a rewarding career path for the youth.

Padma Shree Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman of DICCI, expressed his gratitude to Minister Kiren Rijiju for his support in facilitating this collaboration. He assured that DICCI, along with NMDFC, will focus on nurturing and mentoring marginalized individuals to help them become employers instead of merely seeking jobs.

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, also lauded the initiative, saying, “This partnership symbolizes the convergence of resources and vision for the betterment of society. It is not just about supporting individuals but creating an ecosystem that fosters growth and inclusion.”

As part of the agreement, NMDFC will provide concessional credit to entrepreneurs identified by DICCI, enabling them to establish businesses and contribute to economic development. The MoU also includes plans to conduct awareness programs and advocate for policy reforms to ensure sustainable business practices and development.

Dr. Abha Rani Singh, CMD of NMDFC, highlighted the significance of this MoU, stating, “Together with DICCI, we aim to nurture entrepreneurial talent, provide the necessary support, and inspire many more to follow this path.”

The collaboration between NMDFC and DICCI is expected to become a model for empowering marginalized communities and fostering inclusive development across India. The event concluded with the ceremonial signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward economic and social empowerment for marginalized communities.