The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been actively working towards the socio-economic upliftment of minority communities in India through various skilling and education initiatives. These efforts are aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment and improve their livelihoods.
A significant step in this direction is the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, which brings together multiple earlier programs—‘Seekho Aur Kamao,’ ‘Nai Manzil,’ ‘Nai Roshni,’ ‘USTTAD,’ and ‘Hamari Dharohar’—to provide a comprehensive framework for empowerment. The scheme addresses crucial areas such as vocational and traditional skills training, women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, open schooling education, and infrastructure development under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.
An essential aspect of PM VIKAS is its emphasis on financial inclusion. The scheme facilitates credit linkages, helping beneficiaries access loan programs through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation. By doing so, it ensures that individuals not only receive training but also gain the financial support needed to apply their skills effectively. Currently, the Ministry is in the process of evaluating proposals and finalizing projects under the scheme.
A crucial component of the initiative is job placement. Implementing partners are expected to connect trained candidates with industries to ensure they find employment opportunities that match their skill sets. The Ministry is also working closely with central and state governments to encourage organizations to submit proposals for participation.
To reach a wider audience, the government has been actively promoting these schemes through platforms like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv, along with extensive use of print and social media. As a centrally-run initiative, PM VIKAS is designed to be implemented nationwide, ensuring that minority communities across India benefit from its provisions.
Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, shared these updates in a written response in the Lok Sabha, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating inclusive growth opportunities for minority communities.
