TICCI AP demand for National Tribal Hub

TICCI Andhra Pradesh Pushes for Stronger Support to Tribal Entrepreneurs in Vijayawada

Vijayawada, March 11, 2025: The Andhra Pradesh Chapter of Team TICCI has taken a crucial step toward empowering tribal entrepreneurs by submitting a detailed representation to Vandana Gurnani, I.A.S, Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Nodal Officer, Coordination for the State of Andhra Pradesh. The representation, presented in Vijayawada, calls for urgent policy interventions to provide better financial access, skill development, and market opportunities for tribal businesses.

At the heart of the appeal is the establishment of Zonal Incubation & Training Centers with Incentives, which TICCI believes will be a game-changer for aspiring tribal entrepreneurs. These Tribal Business Incubation & Training Centers (TBITCs) would serve as one-stop hubs for hands-on training, mentorship, and technology support. They would not only help businesses take off but also ensure they thrive with guidance on branding, e-commerce, and market linkages. TICCI has also recommended partnerships with top institutions like IIMs, IITs, and NSDC to equip entrepreneurs with world-class business strategies tailored to their needs.

Another major focus is the demand for a dedicated National Tribal Hub (NTH). TICCI argues that the existing National SC-ST Hub does not fully address the unique economic and geographical challenges of Scheduled Tribes (STs). A separate National Tribal Hub would cater specifically to tribal entrepreneurs, offering customized financial aid, guaranteed government procurement opportunities, specialized skill programs, and even an exclusive industrial corridor for tribal-led enterprises. If implemented, this initiative could redefine the landscape for tribal businesses, ensuring they receive targeted support instead of being grouped under broad policies.

TICCI is also pushing for the immediate establishment of an NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) office in Andhra Pradesh. Despite a thriving MSME sector in the state, tribal entrepreneurs still face hurdles in accessing government schemes, raw material subsidies, and procurement support due to the lack of an NSIC office. Having a dedicated NSIC branch in the state would streamline financial and non-financial assistance, opening doors for tribal businesses to participate in national and international trade fairs, secure government contracts, and get much-needed financial backing.

Speaking on the occasion, TICCI Andhra Pradesh President M. Bhaskara Rao emphasized the urgency of these interventions. "Tribal entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh have immense potential, but systemic barriers continue to hold them back. Our representation is a call for immediate action—one that can change lives, boost the state’s economy, and create sustainable opportunities for the tribal community," he said.