In News:

The Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation status of the PM VIKAS scheme.

About the Scheme

• Full Name: Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Launch: Guidelines approved in January 2025; implementation underway
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
• Target Groups: Socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities, with special focus on artisans, women, and youth

Core Objectives

• Skill Development
  • Training in both traditional and non-traditional trades
  • Employment-linked, need-based courses
• Cultural Preservation
  • Promotion of traditional arts, crafts, and literature
  • Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
• Educational Inclusion
  • Support for school dropouts from minority communities
  • Certification at 8th, 10th, and 12th levels through open schooling via the National Institute of Open Schooling
• Women Leadership & Entrepreneurship
  • Confidence building, leadership training
  • Financial and enterprise support
• Infrastructure Support: Convergence with Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram for minority area development

Key Features

• Financial Support: Provided through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
• Market Linkages: Facilitated by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts
• Artisan Cluster Model: “Hub and Spoke” model to develop Vishwakarma Villages for craft-based livelihoods
• Pan-India Implementation: Funds are not directly allocated to States; projects are executed through approved agencies and PIAs