IIM Jammu and DICCI signed an MoU in New Delhi to promote SC-ST entrepreneurship, strengthen innovation ecosystems, build capacity, and advance inclusive economic empowerment.
IIM Jammu and DICCI Join Hands for Inclusive Growth
The Indian Institute of Management Jammu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the National Seminar on AI for Good Governance at DAIC in New Delhi. The partnership aims to nurture entrepreneurial aspirations among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create pathways for economic empowerment across the nation.
This collaboration brings together an academic institution known for management education and research with an organization dedicated to building a stronger entrepreneurial base among historically underrepresented communities. By linking education, incubation, and enterprise development, the two institutions aim to create practical opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Leadership Presence Marks the Significance of the Occasion
The National Seminar on AI for Good Governance was graced by Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, as the chief guest, and Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Patron of the seminar and Vice Chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini. Their presence highlighted the growing relevance of innovation, governance, and inclusion in India’s development agenda.
In the presence of Dr Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, and Founder Chairman of DICCI, the MoU was signed by Prof B S Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Ravi Kumar Narra, National President, DICCI. The occasion was also attended by Prof Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, Sanjiv Dangi, National Vice President and Convenor-Global Alliances, DICCI, and other leaders from academia, industry, and public policy.
The presence of such a wide range of leaders gave the event a strong institutional and national character. It also signaled that entrepreneurship-led empowerment needs cooperation between education, policy, and industry.
Partnership Focuses on Entrepreneurship and Capacity Building
The collaboration brings together the academic excellence, research capabilities, incubation ecosystem, capacity building, and entrepreneurial expertise of IIM Jammu with DICCI’s nationwide mission of empowering SC-ST entrepreneurs. Together, the institutions will work toward developing entrepreneurial capabilities, promoting innovation-driven enterprises, facilitating policy research, and creating impactful capacity-building initiatives for aspiring entrepreneurs.
This partnership is significant because it addresses both the supply side and the support side of entrepreneurship. IIM Jammu can contribute academic knowledge, mentoring, and incubation support, while DICCI can connect the initiative to communities that need access to networks, guidance, and market opportunities. That combination can help early-stage entrepreneurs move from idea to execution more effectively.
The MoU also opens the door for structured training programmes, startup support, policy engagement, and research-based interventions. Such efforts can help participants understand business models, funding pathways, compliance requirements, and product-market fit.
Dr Milind Kamble Calls It a Milestone
Dr Milind P Kamble lauded the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing entrepreneurship-led empowerment among SC-ST communities. He highlighted that education, innovation, and enterprise are powerful catalysts for social transformation. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
His remarks reflected a broader belief that economic empowerment can drive social change more effectively when people are given the right support systems. Access to education alone does not always lead to opportunity. Support structures such as mentorship, incubation, market linkages, and policy advocacy are often necessary to turn potential into progress.
IIM Jammu Stresses Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Speaking on the occasion, Prof B S Sahay emphasized that the partnership reflects IIM Jammu’s commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where talent, innovation, and aspirations are nurtured irrespective of social or economic backgrounds. That message is important because entrepreneurship often depends not only on skill and motivation but also on access to institutional support and social capital.
By aligning with DICCI, IIM Jammu positions itself as an active participant in inclusive development rather than a passive academic observer. The institute can use its management expertise to support capacity-building efforts, strengthen incubation systems, and help aspiring entrepreneurs understand how to build viable and sustainable enterprises.
This approach also matches India’s broader goal of building a more equitable innovation economy. When institutions create pathways for those who have historically faced barriers, they widen the country’s talent base and strengthen long-term growth.
DICCI Sees Stronger Mission Through Academic Collaboration
Ravi Kumar Narra said the collaboration with IIM Jammu would further strengthen DICCI’s mission of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and help nurture successful enterprises across the country. His statement underlines the importance of institutional partnerships in expanding the reach and impact of entrepreneurship initiatives.
DICCI has long worked to support SC-ST entrepreneurs by advocating for access, visibility, and opportunity. A collaboration with a premier management institute adds research depth, strategic thinking, and structured learning to that mission. The result could be a more robust ecosystem for emerging founders from underrepresented communities.
The MoU also fits into a larger national conversation about inclusive growth, startup participation, and the role of education in economic mobility. In that sense, the partnership goes beyond a ceremonial agreement and becomes a practical framework for long-term collaboration.
IIM Jammu’s MoU with DICCI marks an important step toward building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. By combining academic expertise with community-focused entrepreneurship support, the partnership aims to create new opportunities for SC-ST youth, strengthen innovation, and contribute to sustainable nation-building.
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