PM-VIKAS Scheme Context : The Ministry reviews the implementation of the PM VIKAS Scheme on a regular basis at various levels to assess progress, address operational challenges and strengthen implementation. About PM-VIKAS Scheme PM-VIKAS is a scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) to provide skill development, entrepreneurship, and leadership training to minority communities and artisan families across India. It is implemented in coordination with the Skill India Mission and is linked with the Skill India Portal (SIP). The scheme combines the Ministry's earlier skill development and education programmes into a single platform. It aims to improve the social and economic condition of the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians (Parsis). The scheme also helps beneficiaries access loans through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Implementation The Ministry plans to implement the scheme by selecting art and craft clusters in Minority Concentrated Areas (MCAs). It will work together with other Ministries such as: Ministry of Tourism Ministry of Women & Child Development Ministry of Panchayati Raj Ministry of Education Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship This coordination aims to ensure the overall development of minority communities in the selected areas. Components of PM-VIKAS Skilling and Training Component Traditional Training (Earlier: USTTAD and Hamari Dharohar) Provides training in traditional arts and crafts. Covers minority artisans and their family members, including those involved in declining traditional art forms. Non-Traditional Skilling (Earlier: Seekho Aur Kamao) Offers skill training in NSQF-compliant job roles Focuses on minority communities and artisan families. Gives training in sectors related to arts, crafts, and employment opportunities. Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component (Earlier: Nai Roshni) Provides leadership and basic entrepreneurship training mainly to youth from minority communities and artisan families. Gives special entrepreneurship training to women who complete the leadership programme. Selects capable women…
