Scheme focuses on skill development
Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan Empowering Minorities through Skills and Enterprise: The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a major initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It aims to uplift six notified minority communities through skill training, entrepreneurship, and educational support.
It is a Central Sector Scheme, ensuring direct funding and implementation by the Central Government.
Training launched at IIIT Kottayam
New training projects under PM VIKAS have been launched at IIIT Kottayam. These projects target the upskilling of minority youth, aligning with the broader goal of economic empowerment.
The scheme aligns with the Skill India Mission, promoting convergence and synergy in national skill development efforts.
Scheme merges five older initiatives
PM VIKAS integrates five earlier standalone schemes into one unified structure:
- Seekho Aur Kamao (skill development for minorities)
- Nai Manzil (education and skilling for school dropouts)
- Nai Roshni (leadership training for minority women)
- USTTAD (upgrading traditional arts and crafts)
- Hamari Dharohar (preservation of minority heritage)
This convergence reduces duplication, improves impact, and provides holistic support to minority groups.
Focus on women and traditional skills
Special focus is placed on minority women. The Women Entrepreneurship Development component empowers them to become self-reliant through business training and access to credit.
Training also supports traditional art forms and crafts practiced by minorities.
Static GK fact: The six officially recognized minority communities in India are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis).
Holistic support for education and livelihoods
The scheme supports school dropouts by providing both education and skill training, helping them rejoin mainstream development.
It also promotes entrepreneurship through financial literacy, market linkages, and incubation support for small enterprises.
Static GK Tip: PM VIKAS is a part of India’s broader push for inclusive growth under the National Education Policy 2020 and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan Empowering Minorities through Skills and Enterprise:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Minority Affairs |
| Type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Launched Projects | IIIT Kottayam, Kerala |
| Focus Communities | Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians |
| Merged Schemes | Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roshni, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar |
| Core Focus | Skill training, Women entrepreneurship, Education for dropouts |
| National Alignment | Skill India Mission, NEP 2020, Atmanirbhar Bharat |
| Target Groups | Minority youth and women |
| Implementation | Directly by Central Government in convergence model |
