Divyangjan, the term that cannot be ignored for the agenda of Viksat Bharat which lies also underlies to create an inclusivity for disabled Indians and a way for employability too. The study peeps into the entrepreneurial atmosphere and the governmental data of disabled entrepreneurs along with the transformative potential of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in empowering Divyangjan entrepreneurs by offering them opportunities for economic independence, social inclusion, and professional growth. The paper further deals with measures towards a conceptual approach to integrate divyangjan at the ground level in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the focus of Divyangjan towards ‘developed Bharat' of 2047. The study has been conducted by using secondary data sources. The data is drawn from various government policies, financial support schemes, MSME success stories, and reports on disability inclusion. Content analysis was used to identify patterns and key themes within the collected documents. These findings underscore the importance of fostering an environment (Institutional Support, Challenges Faced, Success Stories, Government Role) where Divyangjan can thrive as entrepreneurs, thus supported by appropriate government policies, accessible infrastructure, and a culture of inclusion.
- Abodunrin, S. A., & Komolafe, A. F. (2019). Entrepreneurship as a tool for economic development of women with visually impairment in Nigeria. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336578473
- CHIEH HSU, C. (2016). Social Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities: Barriers and Facilitators to Business Start-Up [Thesis, University of Illinois at Chicago,]. https://indigo.uic.edu/articles/thesis/Social_Entrepreneurship_for_People_with_Disabilities_Barriers_and_Facilitators_to_Business_Start-Up/10929749?file=19425782
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- Klangboonkrong, T., & Baines, N. (2022). Disability entrepreneurship research: Critical reflection through the lens of individual-opportunity nexus. Research and Enterprise Division, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK, 427.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (divyangjan) (p. 230). (2023). Government of India.
- THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016. (2017). https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/15939/1/the_rights_of_persons_with_disabilities_act%2C_2016.pdf
- Tikhute, V. (2024). DIVYANG ENTREPRENEURS: MORE CHALLENGES OR LESS OPPORTUNITIES. Niruta Publications. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379046116
Web Resources
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
- https://divyangjan.depwd.gov.in/content/upload/uploadfiles/AnnualReport2023-24English.pdf
- https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/Report_583_Final_0.pdf
- https://msme.gov.in/
Abbreviations
- ADA- Americans Disability Act
- S.I VHSS-Church of South India Vocational Higher Secondary School.
- CEO- Chief Executive Officer
- IT- Information Technology
- KVIC- Khadi and Village Industries Commission
- LBS- Lal Bahadur Shastri
- MGIRI- Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization
- MSME- Micro,Small, Medium Enterprises
- NIMSME- National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- NRI- Non Resident Indians
- NSIC- National Small Industries Corporations
- OBC- Other Backward Classes
- OPC- One Person Company
- PWDs- People with Disabilities
- RPWD Act- Rights of Persons with Disability Act
- SAP- Specially Abled People
- SC- Scheduled Castes
- SDGs- Sustainable Development Goals
- SFG- Special Focused Groups
- ST- Scheduled Tribes
- UN COSP- United Nations Conference of the States Parties
- UN CRPD- United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- UN ECOSOC-United Nations Economic and Social Council
- USP-Unique Selling Proposition /Unique Selling Point
- VOSAP- Voice of Specially Abled People.
