Paper short abstract:

My paper focuses on the ideas of 'Dalit capitalism' and the rise of Dalit millionaires in contemporary India and demonstrates how Dalit identity is being reasserted, reproduced and reinforced by Dalit bourgeoisie and a new Dalit agenda is being set in collusion with the state.

Paper long abstract:

My paper focuses on the emergence of the ideas of 'Dalit capitalism' and the rise of Dalit millionaires in last two decades of liberalisation in India. I critically look at the process of evolution of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI) and its significant influence in policy agenda setting for capital accumulation by Dalits. My analysis further focuses on the affirmative action policies for Dalit businesses especially the most recent policy decision about setting a quota in government procurement for Dalit businesses and the financial support provided to the Dalit Venture Capital Fund. I find this new Dalit agenda only reflects the self-interests of Dalit elites and this agenda setting for Dalit businesses under affirmative action paradigm led by Dalit bourgeoisie has huge implications on marginalised Dalits. While the state is ensuring extension of affirmative policies in the business domain to benefit the Dalit elites; its involvement for micro and small Dalit entrepreneurs that constitute more than 90% of all establishments and has expanded in number since the liberalisation is limited to 'posturing' and 'tokenism'. The state has ignored the structural deficiencies of credit and skill development programmes meant for micro and small businesses. And, with this new Dalit agenda, the state may continue to do so. These partisan mechanisms of state-mediated capitalist accumulation can only deepen the inequality within Dalits and in the society.