Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for Minority Welfare

Inclusive Growth for India’s Minorities

Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for Minority Welfare: The Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme (PM’s 15 PP) is a landmark initiative aimed at bringing disadvantaged minority communities into the mainstream of development. Launched with the goal of equitable distribution of welfare schemes, it ensures that 15% of resources and targets under key schemes are earmarked for minorities. These efforts are monitored by participating Ministries and implemented across the nation.

Identifying Minority-Focused Districts

The programme uses the concept of Substantial Minority Population to identify backward areas in need of targeted support. Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) are designated as those where at least 25% of the population belongs to notified minority communities. These districts become the core focus of development efforts under the programme.

Focus on Education and Skill Development

To enhance educational outcomes, the programme improves access to schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya. Special provisions include the recruitment of Urdu language teachers and the modernization of Madarsas through dedicated schemes. Scholarships are awarded to meritorious minority students, and institutions like the Maulana Azad Education Foundation support infrastructure development.

Boosting Employment and Economic Participation

The programme also aims to secure economic upliftment by promoting self-employment, technical training, and credit access. Flagship schemes like SGSY, SJSRY, and SGRY offer livelihood support. Technical institutions in minority areas are being upgraded as Centres of Excellence. To further support economic activities, the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) facilitates easy credit. The programme also advocates for fair representation in State and Central government services.

Improving Living Standards in Minority Communities

Ensuring a better standard of living is key to the programme. Minorities are given equitable access to schemes like the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). Programs such as AMRUT target urban infrastructure improvement in minority-inhabited areas.

Preventing Communal Violence

A vital component of the programme is the prevention of communal riots. This includes the posting of neutral and efficient officers in sensitive zones and the prosecution of communal offences. The programme also supports the rehabilitation of victims through legal and financial aid.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

India’s Constitution does not explicitly define the term “minority,” but Articles 29 and 30 protect the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to preserve their culture and establish educational institutions. Article 350-B provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities, ensuring representation and grievance redressal. Legally, minorities are identified under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, which includes Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis.

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