The Ministry of Minority Affairs implements Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) as a Central Sector Scheme focusing on the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minorities through skill development; entrepreneurship among minority women; and education support for school dropouts. The scheme provides training in both modern, high-growth job roles such as IT-ITeS, electronics, logistics, healthcare, AI and IoT, as well as traditional crafts, benefitting artisans and youth engaged in handloom, handicrafts, embroidery etc.

The scheme follows a uniform national eligibility framework without regional preference. Besides, as per scheme guidelines, Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) are mandated to ensure inclusion of women, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).PM VIKAS integrates education support through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to assist school dropouts from minority communities in completing class 8th, 10th, and 12th. The scheme already has dedicated budgetary allocation for these activities, and the focus remains on strengthening access, quality, and learning outcomes, which contribute to enhanced social equity.

To address unemployment among minority youth, PM VIKAS provides industry-linked skilling, placement support and entrepreneurship development. Market exposure is provided to youth who are engaged in traditional arts, crafts and culinary traditions, through initiatives such as Lok Samvardhan Parv(s). A dedicated Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship component supports women-led livelihoods.

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

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