PMJVK Review Boosts Minority Development Focus
New Delhi, June 25, 2025: Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, chaired the 47th Empowered Committee Meeting on June 23 to review project proposals under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). The meeting assessed fresh and revised proposals from Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
The review aimed to accelerate minority-focused development projects and promote inclusive growth, particularly in areas with high minority population concentration. PMJVK plays a key role in creating critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, hostels, and community centers in Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs).
Dr. Kumar evaluated new and pending proposals from the four participating states. He emphasized the need for time-bound execution and greater accountability from state governments. The proposals focused on building smart classrooms, health facilities, girls’ hostels, ITIs, and Sadbhav Mandaps.
Each state’s representatives presented progress updates and highlighted local needs. Maharashtra, for instance, proposed the construction of several skill training centers and health sub-centers in districts with significant minority populations.
Emphasis on Inclusive and Sustainable Infrastructure
During the meeting, the Secretary reiterated that the Ministry’s goal is not just fund allocation but effective utilization. He encouraged states to focus on sustainable, people-centric infrastructure that directly benefits minority communities—especially women, children, and youth.
He urged the officials to streamline proposal submissions by using the PMJVK online portal efficiently and to address documentation gaps promptly. Moreover, he stressed the importance of feedback mechanisms for tracking ground-level impact.
Encouraging Convergence and Community Involvement
The Secretary also highlighted the importance of convergence with other centrally sponsored schemes such as PM-AJAY and PM-SHRI. He urged departments to coordinate with local authorities and community-based organizations to avoid duplication and ensure better reach.
“PMJVK is about empowerment and equity. Every rupee invested should bring visible change in minority communities,” said Dr. Kumar. He also requested that States prioritize regions with low human development indices and inadequate public services.
Key Outcomes and Next Steps
The Empowered Committee cleared multiple proposals for funding and instructed states to submit revised DPRs (Detailed Project Reports) for pending items. The Ministry also committed to offering technical guidance and quicker administrative clearances where needed.
States have been asked to furnish progress reports regularly and update the Ministry’s MIS (Monitoring Information System) dashboard to improve transparency and real-time tracking.
Conclusion
With renewed focus on accountability, community engagement, and timely execution, the 47th Empowered Committee Meeting signaled a stronger push for minority development under PMJVK. As states gear up to implement approved proposals, the Ministry remains committed to inclusive growth and equitable infrastructure in underserved regions.