Government Implements Schemes for Socio-Economic Empowerment of Minorities

11 Mar 2025 CW Team

Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry that merges five previous schemes:

Seekho Aur Kamao (Skill Development) Nai Manzil (Educational Support for School Dropouts) USTTAD (Preservation of Traditional Art and Craft) Nai Roshni (Women Leadership Development) Hamari Dharohar (Cultural Heritage Promotion) The PM VIKAS scheme is designed to provide:

Skill training and vocational education Women leadership and entrepreneurship development Support for school dropouts to continue education Market and credit linkages for beneficiaries National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) The NMDFC plays a vital role in the economic empowerment of minority communities by offering concessional loans for self-employment and income-generating activities. The schemes implemented by NMDFC include:

Term Loan Scheme Microfinance Scheme Education Loan Scheme Virasat Scheme (Financial support for traditional artisans and craftspeople) These schemes are executed through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs), Punjab Gramin Bank, and Canara Bank, ensuring easy access to financial assistance.

Impact and Reach of NMDFC Initiatives Since its inception in 1994-95, NMDFC has disbursed Rs 948 billion as of February 28, 2025, benefiting approximately 25.49 lakh individuals from minority communities. Notably, around 89.68% of the beneficiaries are women, including Muslim women, highlighting a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment.

Union Minister of Minority & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, presented these updates in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and equal opportunities for all.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs is actively implementing various schemes and programmes across India to uplift and empower economically weaker sections of minority communities. These initiatives focus on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial support, ensuring inclusive growth and socio-economic advancement. Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry that merges five previous schemes: Seekho Aur Kamao (Skill Development) Nai Manzil (Educational Support for School Dropouts) USTTAD (Preservation of Traditional Art and Craft) Nai Roshni (Women Leadership Development) Hamari Dharohar (Cultural Heritage Promotion) The PM VIKAS scheme is designed to provide: Skill training and vocational education Women leadership and entrepreneurship development Support for school dropouts to continue education Market and credit linkages for beneficiaries National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) The NMDFC plays a vital role in the economic empowerment of minority communities by offering concessional loans for self-employment and income-generating activities. The schemes implemented by NMDFC include: Term Loan Scheme Microfinance Scheme Education Loan Scheme Virasat Scheme (Financial support for traditional artisans and craftspeople) These schemes are executed through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs), Punjab Gramin Bank, and Canara Bank, ensuring easy access to financial assistance. Impact and Reach of NMDFC Initiatives Since its inception in 1994-95, NMDFC has disbursed Rs 948 billion as of February 28, 2025, benefiting approximately 25.49 lakh individuals from minority communities. Notably, around 89.68% of the beneficiaries are women, including Muslim women, highlighting a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment. Union Minister of Minority & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, presented these updates in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and equal opportunities for all.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Infrastructure Energy

07 Apr 2026

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Infrastructure Energy

07 Apr 2026

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..