Ranchi: To commemorate Hul Diwas, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Saturday organised a meet to promote entrepreneurship skills of tribals under the banner of 'Endeavour for Inclusive Development: Nurturing Indigenous Opulence.'

"The Hul was not only directed against exploitation of people by the British, but also aimed at eliminating poverty," chief minister Raghubar Das said while speaking on the occasion held at a city hotel.

Hul Diwas marks the contribution of tribal martyrs Sido, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav. Bhognadih village in Barhet block, some 40km from Sahebganj district headquarters, is treated as the epicentre of the Santhal Hul (rebellion) against the British Raj in 1855, two years before Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, now considered to be India's first freedom movement.

"Driving out fear from within and sowing seeds of confidence can help you become successful entrepreneurs," he said while addressing over 150 tribal youths who attended the meet.

"There's no dearth of talent in the state, but nazriya (outlook) has to change to bring about a positive change," the chief minister said and added that traditional wisdom along with science and technology can be greatly beneficial.

"The entrepreneurs need to enhance three Ss - skill, scale and speed," he said. The chief minister, however, said he was aware of marketing bottlenecks but assured that the state itself was a good market if properly tapped.

Das said the state was ready to buy eggs for midday meals if villagers opened poultry farms in large numbers.

"ST and SC entrepreneurs are competent. But when it comes to finance and marketing, they need help," said Sunil Kumar Barnwal, principal secretary to the chief minister, while citing examples of some entrepreneurs who were doing well.

He also advocated inclusion of representatives of trade bodies like Tribal Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TICCI) and it's Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries in government committees.

TICCI president Khelaram Murmu requested the government to promote tribal entrepreneurship. DICCI eastern regional president Rajendra Jibasiya demanded allotment of land for setting up small, medium and micro units on the lines of Chhattisgarh.

Industry secretary Vinay Choubey said the government was expanding coverage under its flagship schemes and giving subsidies for promoting business.

Later in the day, a number of sessions were held on tribal skill development, workforce, employment and entrepreneurship.