PM VIKAS Scheme Focuses on Empowering Minority Communities
ECONOMY & POLICY

PM VIKAS Scheme Focuses on Empowering Minority Communities

The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aims to uplift six notified minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and education support. By converging five previous schemes—‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’, and ‘USTTAD’—the programme fosters economic inclusion while facilitating credit access for beneficiaries through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

Market and Industry Outlook: With a growing emphasis on inclusive economic development, India's policies are increasingly targeting skill enhancement and entrepreneurship among marginalised communities. The PM VIKAS scheme aligns with this vision, aiming to integrate minority artisans, women entrepreneurs, and skilled workers into mainstream markets. Initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv have played a crucial role in showcasing traditional craftsmanship, boosting demand for indigenous products, and opening up new economic opportunities. Since 2015, 43 such events have been organised nationwide, promoting heritage-linked businesses and facilitating market linkages. As India moves towards a more self-reliant economy, such schemes contribute to employment generation, financial inclusion, and social empowerment, making minorities active participants in the nation’s economic progress.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, shared insights into the scheme’s progress in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He confirmed that the Ministry is in the process of finalising project proposals under PM VIKAS, ensuring targeted interventions for minority communities.

Aimed at enhancing employability and entrepreneurship, PM VIKAS provisions skill training, education support for school dropouts, and leadership development for minority women. Furthermore, it facilitates credit linkages, connecting beneficiaries with financial assistance schemes under NMDFC.

The Ministry’s Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv initiatives have been instrumental in promoting traditional artisans by offering a platform to market their products. These events have successfully fostered entrepreneurship, encouraged cultural heritage preservation, and enhanced the economic prospects of minority communities.

By integrating skill development with financial empowerment, the PM VIKAS scheme strengthens economic resilience within minority groups. Its holistic approach—blending education, leadership training, and business opportunities—ensures sustainable growth and social mobility for beneficiaries. As India continues to drive inclusive development, such initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering an equitable economic landscape.

The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aims to uplift six notified minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and education support. By converging five previous schemes—‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’, and ‘USTTAD’—the programme fosters economic inclusion while facilitating credit access for beneficiaries through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Market and Industry Outlook: With a growing emphasis on inclusive economic development, India's policies are increasingly targeting skill enhancement and entrepreneurship among marginalised communities. The PM VIKAS scheme aligns with this vision, aiming to integrate minority artisans, women entrepreneurs, and skilled workers into mainstream markets. Initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv have played a crucial role in showcasing traditional craftsmanship, boosting demand for indigenous products, and opening up new economic opportunities. Since 2015, 43 such events have been organised nationwide, promoting heritage-linked businesses and facilitating market linkages. As India moves towards a more self-reliant economy, such schemes contribute to employment generation, financial inclusion, and social empowerment, making minorities active participants in the nation’s economic progress. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, shared insights into the scheme’s progress in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He confirmed that the Ministry is in the process of finalising project proposals under PM VIKAS, ensuring targeted interventions for minority communities. Aimed at enhancing employability and entrepreneurship, PM VIKAS provisions skill training, education support for school dropouts, and leadership development for minority women. Furthermore, it facilitates credit linkages, connecting beneficiaries with financial assistance schemes under NMDFC. The Ministry’s Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv initiatives have been instrumental in promoting traditional artisans by offering a platform to market their products. These events have successfully fostered entrepreneurship, encouraged cultural heritage preservation, and enhanced the economic prospects of minority communities. By integrating skill development with financial empowerment, the PM VIKAS scheme strengthens economic resilience within minority groups. Its holistic approach—blending education, leadership training, and business opportunities—ensures sustainable growth and social mobility for beneficiaries. As India continues to drive inclusive development, such initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering an equitable economic landscape.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tata, Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter Line

In a landmark development for India’s aerospace sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will establish the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 and H125M, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. The new Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to ro..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NeGD to Support Bharat Taxi in Building Cooperative Ride Platform

In a significant move for India’s digital and mobility transformation, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Digital India Corporation, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has entered into an advisory partnership with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the company behind Bharat Taxi — a first-of-its-kind, cooperative-led national ride-hailing platform. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NeGD and Sahakar Taxi to provide strategic advisory and technical support covering key areas such as platform integration, cybersecurity..

Next Story
Technology

MeitY Hosts Pre-Summit for India–AI Impact Summit 2026

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted a series of Pre-Summit events for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi. These sessions mark a key milestone ahead of the main summit, scheduled for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Delivering the inaugural address, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted India’s innovative and frugal approach to AI development. “We have adopted innovative means by learning from others’ experiences to build projects and products that..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?