Micro-Entrepreneurial Issues and Challenges of Darjeeling Hills: An Inquiry

Abstract

Study provides an understanding of sociological challenges concerning micro-entrepreneurial activities in Darjeeling hills. Historically, micro-entrepreneurship has played a dynamic role in contributing to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment generation in different parts of the country. More specifically, it plays a key role in the region where large industries are not viable due to geographical constraints, as it becomes an essential driving force in promoting regional balance, reducing disparities between plains and hills, and preserving the traditional material culture of the diverse ethnic groups and tribes of different regions. Based on fieldwork conducted in different areas, including rural and urban areas of the Darjeeling hills between June and December 2022 through some ethnographic insight. The findings point out that the hills micro entrepreneurs faced several challenges and restrictions, resulting in inadequate opportunities to flourish despite the environment of entrepreneurship that emerged in this neoliberal digital era.