Economics of Entrepreneurship and the Underprivileged Class-A Case Study of Odisha

Abstract

The present study makes an attempt to analyze the performance in terms of revenue generation, employment and utilization of assets owned by the entrepreneurs belonging to the underprivileged class so as to examine whether entrepreneurship as a preferred occupational choice can be seen as an alternative to seeking wage employment for this socially backward class. In a study of 370 Micro Enterprises owned by entrepreneurs belonging to the underprivileged class viz, SCs, STs, OBCs and Muslims in Odisha, it was observed that underprivileged class entrepreneurs despite not having any known entrepreneurial history, in terms of entrepreneurial skill and acumen they are not lagged behind.