PM-VIKAS Scheme: A New Pathway for Skill Development and Self-Reliance of Minority Communities

Various schemes have been implemented in India to ensure socio-economic equality.In this context, the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samriddhi Yojana (PM-VIKAS) is an important initiative aimed at empowering minority communities in the country, promoting their education, skills, and entrepreneurship, and improving their living standards.Recently, the government apprised Parliament about the progress and achievements under this scheme, showing its commitment to building a long-term inclusive development model.

PM-VIKAS Scheme

¨     The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a Central Sector Scheme that converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘USTTAD’ and ‘Hamari Dharohar’.

It focuses on socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis) through the following:

1.     Skilling and Training (Non-traditional and traditional)

2.     Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship

3.     Education support for school dropouts (through the National Institute of Open Schooling)

4.     Infrastructure Development (through Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram)

Salient Features

¨     It aims at the holistic development of minority communities through skilling, education, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage preservation.

¨     The Scheme focuses on traditional and modern skill training, women’s leadership, education for school dropouts, and infrastructure development.

¨     Special emphasis on women, youth, and persons with disabilities from six notified minority communities.

¨     It provides financial support, market linkages, and credit access through convergence with other government schemes.

¨     100% central funding for training, education, and entrepreneurship; infrastructure support via Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) on a cost-sharing basis.

Achievements of the Scheme

¨     The scheme promotes transparency, efficiency, and industry relevance. To date, 41 projects have been allocated, covering 30 States and Union Territories, benefiting over 1.34 lakh youth and artisans.

¨     It has successfully integrated and built upon previous schemes, providing education support for school dropouts, and offering access to credit and market linkages for artisans and entrepreneurs.

The scheme is also promoting the preservation of traditional crafts and is actively working towards inclusivity by reserving seats for Persons