The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a flagship Scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs which converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’ and ‘USTTAD’; and focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women; and education support for school dropouts. The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Under the scheme, the Ministry has received some proposals and is in the process of shortlisting and finalising the projects.

Ministry initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv aim at promoting entrepreneurship among traditional artisans through showcasing and marketing their products. Since 2015 to till date, 43 such events have been organised by the Ministry across the country.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

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SS/ISA