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

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, in his speech on the eve of Tribal Business Conclave 2025 on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, said tribal communities are not just “beneficiaries” of government schemes but also “driving forces of India’s progress”.

The conclave hosted by the Ministry to facilitate business tie-ups and attract investments for tribal entrepreneurs across India is part of the Union government’s celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

The ‘Roots to Rise’ event, which includes a Chief Executive forum, knowledge sharing events, masterclasses, pitch sessions, exhibitions and pavilions, is part of the conclave, which is being promoted as a space where “policy makers, industry leaders, investors, innovators and tribal entrepreneurs will come together on a common platform”.

The Tribal Business Conclave, scheduled to be held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi, will be attended by Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal as the chief guest, while the Ministers of Tribal Affairs and Culture will also attend as guests of honour.

‘Concrete change’

“This Convocation was born out of the belief that tribal entrepreneurs deserve to be at the center of India’s economic progress, especially as our economy and opportunities are evolving so rapidly,” Mr. Oram said. Hinduin a written interaction. “Our tribal communities have always demonstrated skill, wisdom and resilience, but too often they have missed the chance to engage with mainstream markets or investors,” he added.

The government hopes the event will bring “tangible change” for tribal entrepreneurs, facilitating new ventures, providing deeper skills and greater access to markets. Mr Oram said the number of business contacts and actual investments, as well as the number of entrepreneurs whose livelihoods had “actually improved”, were among the key metrics the Ministry would use to assess the success of the conclave.

A look at tribal entrepreneurs

“This is a transformative national platform,” Mr. Oram said when asked how this conclave would be different from the trade fairs, exhibitions and market activities routinely organized by bodies like TRIFED (Indian Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation).

“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 are designed “to honor the unique journey of tribal businesses through information sessions, innovation showcases and recognition of excellence.”

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