Empowering Communities through Skilling
As part of this initiative, 690 candidates from minority communities in Kerala will be trained in both technical and entrepreneurial skills. The program aims to strengthen livelihood opportunities and foster self-reliance among fisherfolk and women entrepreneurs.
Of the total candidates, 270 will undergo training in non-traditional fisheries skills. This includes 90 candidates in fish hatchery production and 180 in the basics of cage culture fish farming. These niche skills are expected to enhance self-employment opportunities and support sustainable fisheries-based livelihoods.
A major highlight of the project is the inclusion of 420 women in dedicated leadership and entrepreneurship development programmes. These sessions are designed to empower women with the confidence, knowledge, and resources required to establish and manage their own enterprises.
In addition to training, the project will offer stipends to all participants and extend handholding support to facilitate their transition into self-employment ventures.
Role of ICAR-CMFRI
ICAR-CMFRI, headquartered in Kochi, is renowned for its research, innovation, and incubation in the marine fisheries sector. As the implementing institution, CMFRI will provide training modules, mentorship, and technical support to ensure participants gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. This collaboration will create a stronger ecosystem for entrepreneurship development within coastal and minority communities.
PM VIKAS: A Unified Framework
The PM VIKAS scheme, launched by the Government of India, consolidates various earlier programmes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs into a single, unified framework. It emphasizes education, skilling, leadership development, and enterprise promotion to uplift India’s six notified minority communities. The Kerala project with CMFRI stands as a flagship initiative showcasing how targeted partnerships can transform socio-economic conditions at the grassroots level.