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.

Building Material

07 Nov 2025

Beyond Basics: Unique Ideas for Using Distemper Paint Colours in Your Home

Rohit and Nisha had just moved into their first rented apartment in Pune. The place had everything they wanted. Great sunlight, a tiny balcony, and affordable rent. But the walls? A dull, ugly and patchy beige that made even their colourful paintings look tired. “Let’s colour the walls,” Nisha said enthusiastically. Rohit looked at her with a calculator in hand. “You mean spend half our salary on emulsions?”Just then, their neighbour popped in and said, “I have been using distemper paint on walls for years. It is affordable, looks good, and you can wipe it clean when your friends s..

Infrastructure Energy

07 Nov 2025

REC Approves Rs 75 billifor Brookfield’s Hybrid Energy Project

The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Ltd, a Maharatna non-banking finance company, has sanctioned Rs 75 billion for Brookfield’s 1,040 MW hybrid renewable energy project in Kurnool district — its largest-ever funding to a private-sector venture.Developed by Evren, a joint venture between Brookfield (51.49 per cent) and Axis Energy, the Rs 99.1 billion project integrates 640 MW of wind and 400 MW of solar power with battery storage. It is India’s first Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project featuring state-level grid connectivity and a dedicated power purchase agreem..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Nov 2025

Oswal Energies, Deendayal Port Partner for Green Hydrogen Project

Oswal Energies and the Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla-Gandhidham) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop green hydrogen, green methanol, green ammonia, and a 100 million litres per day (MLD) desalination plant under the National Green Energy Initiative.The Government of India has identified Deendayal Port as one of the strategic hubs for green energy infrastructure. The collaboration aims to strengthen the port’s role in advancing sustainable energy systems, supporting India’s net-zero and energy security goals.Under the MoU, Oswal Energies will lead the devel..