Entrepreneurial Awareness And Government Scheme Accessibility In The Jaunsar Bawar: Tribal Region Of Uttrakhand

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has increasingly been recognized as a transformative force in enhancing economic growth, social empowerment, and cultural preservation, particularly in marginalized and tribal regions. In India, government schemes such as MUDRA Yojana, Stand-Up India, Startup India, and specialized tribal welfare programs are designed to support entrepreneurial activities. However, their effectiveness in remote tribal areas remains questionable, largely due to limited awareness, structural barriers, and inadequate policy outreach. This study investigates the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Jaunsar Bawar region of Uttarakhand, a geographically isolated tribal area with unique socio-cultural dynamics. The research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating primary data from 20 local entrepreneurs engaged in hotels, homestays, handicrafts, apple farming, ginger trade, traditional food items (red rice, pulses, rajma), and one small-scale cardboard (gatta) factory, with secondary data drawn from government policy documents, published reports, and academic literature. Findings reveal that 15 out of 20 respondents had no awareness of any government scheme, while 2 gained awareness only after years of running their businesses, and only 3 demonstrated prior knowledge and utilization of policies. This stark gap underscores deficiencies in information dissemination and highlights the reactive rather than proactive nature of government engagement with tribal entrepreneurs. The study identifies three major challenges: (1) weak institutional linkages and lack of localized awareness campaigns; (2) infrastructural constraints such as limited banking access, internet penetration, and bureaucratic hurdles; and (3) socio-cultural barriers that inhibit participation in formal policy mechanisms. By analyzing these gaps, the research contributes to the literature on tribal entrepreneurship by bridging the disconnect between policy frameworks and grassroots realities.

The outcomes of this study have important implications for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners. It recommends localized information centers, training workshops in tribal languages, improved digital infrastructure, and stronger academic–government collaborations as pathways to ensure inclusive growth. The paper concludes that entrepreneurial resilience exists in Jaunsar Bawar, but without robust policy outreach, the transformative potential of government initiatives remains underutilized.