From Job Seekers to Wealth Creators: The Impact of Dalit Entrepreneurship on the Economic Development of Rajasthan

This study investigates the economic contributions of Dalit entrepreneurship to the development of Rajasthan, aiming to challenge stereotypes surrounding Dalit capabilities and to highlight their role in job creation and economic sustainability. Utilising a descriptive research methodology, data was collected through surveys, interviews, and government statistics, focusing on 740 Dalit enterprises. By employing Solow’s Growth Model and regression analysis, the findings reveal that Dalit entrepreneurs contribute approximately 0.97% to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with an average annual contribution of ₹571,500 per entrepreneur. Despite significant challenges, including inadequate access to capital and infrastructure, the study emphasises that Dalit businesses play a crucial role in local economies by providing essential goods and services. This research underscores the importance of recognising Dalit entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social equity, economic resilience, and community upliftment. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of Dalit entrepreneurship within the context of economic liberalisation, offering insights that can inform policy-making and support systems aimed at empowering marginalised communities.