A Social Entrepreneurship Model & Policy Framework for Social Inclusion in India

Abstract:     
In India the concept and application of social entrepreneurship is still in the nascent stage. Unorganized activities by some ambitious individuals represent the social entrepreneurial space in the Indian economy. Government initiated activities backed by suitable policy framework is still missing in India. Over the past decades the Government initiated activities for the growth of MSMEs across India has generally concentrated on developing manufacturing oriented enterprises and thus ignoring the vast opportunities available in the service sector and particularly the social service oriented sectors. Here the term social service oriented sectors does not mean NGOs, NPOs or charitable organizations but the term means for-profit organizations that provide services to the society ,attempt to solve community problems and improve the social condition of the mass and provide a way for social and financial inclusion of the marginalized people. Numerous NGOs (Non Government Organizations) and NPOs (Non Profit Organizations) are operating across the country but their activities are sometimes shadowy involving the flow of illegal money and scams. Some NGOs and NPOs have closed down their operations due to lack of continuous flow of fund. Operating NPOs on a long term basis primarily depending on the charitable sources is quite challenging and may not be sustainable. Social service organizations that operate for profit but work to provide solution to social problems employing the socially & economically backward people is a better alternative. In a culturally and linguistically diverse country like India operating community based social service organizations is the best solution for solving social problems and providing a way for social and financial inclusion. This paper analyses the existing models of social entrepreneurship available in the literature and develops a modified model incorporating the idea of community based service which provides a better organizational structure for a social enterprise. Social enterprises based on this CBS (Community Based Service) Model are not only economically viable but also socially sustainable and easy to set up, organize and operate. This paper concludes with a recommendation to develop a policy roadmap for encouraging the incubation, growth and development of CBS Model based social enterprises in India.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 10

Keywords: social entrepreneurship, social enterprises, CBS Model, social enterprise policy framework

JEL Classification: A00, L10, L20, M13, M14, Z00

Accepted Paper Series