Introduction

India is a diverse nation where the empowerment of minority communities is a top priority for the government. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched several programs to support the six officially recognized minority groups—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)—on socio-economic fronts. With minorities making up 19.3% of the population, these efforts are focused on reducing disparities and promoting the inclusion of minorities in India's overall development.

Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme

Launch Date: November 2007

Objective: To award scholarships to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority community so as to provide them better opportunities for higher education, increase their rate of attainment in higher education and enhance their employability.

Key Achievements:

• In 2008-09, ₹70.63 crores were released, whereas in 2023-24, the allocation surged to ₹1000 crores (RE).

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme

Launch Date: 1^st April 2008

Objective: The scholarship will encourage parents from minority communities to send their school going children to school, lighten their financial burden on school education and sustain their efforts to support their children to complete school education. The scheme will form the foundation for their educational attainment and provide a level playing field in the competitive employment arena. Empowerment through education, which is one of the objectives of this scheme, has the potential to lead to upliftment of the socio economic conditions of the minority communities.

Key Achievements:

• In 2008-09, ₹62.21 crores were released. This increased to ₹113 crores in 2014-15. By 2023-24, the allocation further rose to ₹400 crores (RE). This steady rise reflects a significant increase in financial commitment over the years.

 

National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)

Launch Date: The National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) was incorporated on 30th September 1994, as a company not for profit under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 (now Section-8 of Companies Act,2013). It is a National Level Apex Body for the benefit of Minorities as defined under the National Commission for Minorities Act 1992.

Objective: NMDFC provides concessional credit for self-employment and income generating activities for the socioeconomic development of the ‘backward sections’ amongst the notified Minorities.

Key Achievements:

• In 2014-15, ₹2 crores were released, whereas in 2023-24, the amount increased to ₹3 crores.

Haj Pilgrimage

Launch Date: Haj pilgrimage including administration of the Haj Committee Act, 2002 and Rules made there under has been transferred from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Minority Affairs from 1st October, 2016.

Objective: The Government of India recognizing the significance of Haj has made provisions to facilitate the pilgrimage, particularly for low-income individuals.

 

Key Achievements:

In 2014-15 the expenditure was ₹9.75 crores which in 2023-24, rose to ₹83.51 crores. This rise over the years reflects increased spending and financial commitment in the sector.

Jiyo Parsi Scheme

Launch Date: Jiyo Parsi is a unique Central Sector Scheme for arresting the population decline of the Parsi Community. The scheme was launched in 2013-14.

 Objective: Unique Central Sector Scheme with an objective to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting scientific protocol and structured interventions to stabilize their population in India.

Key Achievements:

• In 2014-15, under the 'Jiyo Parsi' scheme, a total of Rs. 14,55,252 was allocated for medical assistance, while Rs. 17,03,500 was released for advocacy and outreach programs.
• In 2023-24, ₹3 crores were released for the scheme.
• Since inception, the scheme has enabled birth of more than 400 Parsi children till 31.03.2024.

 

In addition to the previously mentioned schemes, the Pradhan Mantri Vikas Karyakram for Minorities (PM VIKAS) incorporates five programs—Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development), Nai Roshni, and Hamari Dharohar. Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) has been implemented to reduce socio-economic disparities in 1300 identified areas across the country. These integrated initiatives work collectively to bridge gaps, promote the welfare of minority communities, and ensure their full inclusion and empowerment in India's broader development.

Strengthening Diversity 

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Santosh Kumar/ Binoykumar CV/ Kamna Lakaria

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