Wed Dec 17 16:55:56 UTC 2025: News Article: Karnataka Ministers and Legislators Unite to Support Dalit Entrepreneurs

Belagavi, December 17, 2025 – Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi announced that he will lead a delegation of legislators from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking permanent solutions to persistent issues faced by Dalit entrepreneurs in Karnataka.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Karnataka Dalit Entrepreneurs Association (KDEA) held in Belagavi on Wednesday, which saw the participation of 32 legislators from across party lines. Jarkiholi emphasized the unprecedented unity among Dalit Ministers and MLAs in support of fostering entrepreneurship within their communities. He highlighted the importance of supporting Dalit-led businesses, noting their transition from agricultural labor to employers and contributors to the economy.

The meeting addressed a range of challenges, including delays in land allotment, subsidies, loan disbursement, and the enforcement of reservation policies in business opportunities. Former MP L. Hanumantaiah criticized successive governments for neglecting these issues, citing specific grievances such as the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s (KIADB) failure to adhere to reservation quotas for site allotments and the Karnataka State Finance Corporation’s discontinuation of tax incentive schemes due to minor repayment delays.

Minister K.H. Muniyappa, former Union Industries Minister, stressed the importance of extending Dalit welfare beyond traditional sectors like animal husbandry and poultry, advocating for higher aspirations and support for entrepreneurs. He pledged to join the delegation and urge the Chief Minister to create a conducive environment for Dalit businesses. Minister R.B. Thimmapura further emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among government departments and the implementation of a scheme dedicated to promoting investment in Dalit enterprises, while also ensuring accountability and preventing misuse of government benefits.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold consultation meetings at the divisional and district levels, provide skill training to Dalit youth, and address systemic discrimination across government departments. The collective effort aims to empower Dalit communities through entrepreneurship and ensure their economic self-sufficiency.

Keywords: Dalit Entrepreneurs, Karnataka, Satish Jarkiholi, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Entrepreneurship, Government Support

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