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.

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..