Why in news?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs informed Parliament on 3 February 2026 that the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme has begun implementation. The minister reported budget allocations for the current financial year and announced that a target to train about 1.51 lakh beneficiaries has been assigned to implementing agencies across the country.
Background
PM VIKAS is a Central Sector scheme approved in January 2025 by converging five earlier initiatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, notably Seekho Aur Kamao and Nai Roshni. Its objective is to achieve the socio‑economic empowerment of six notified minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains—by providing skills training, promoting entrepreneurship and improving education and infrastructure. Unlike centrally sponsored schemes, funding is borne entirely by the central government.
Components
- Skilling and training: The scheme offers both traditional and modern skills programmes for artisans, craftsmen and youth. It builds on the Seekho Aur Kamao initiative that has already trained over 4.6 lakh beneficiaries since 2013.
- Women’s leadership and entrepreneurship: Inspired by the Nai Roshni programme that empowered minority women through leadership training, PM VIKAS supports business ventures led by women and provides mentorship and access to credit.
- Education: School dropouts from minority communities are re‑enrolled through courses offered by the National Institute of Open Schooling. Financial support helps cover tuition fees, study material and digital devices.
- Infrastructure development: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) component finances schools, health centres, skill hubs and market sheds in districts with significant minority populations.
Finances and targets
- Budget allocations: PM VIKAS received an outlay of ₹255.43 crore in 2024–25 (with revised estimate ₹30 crore) and ₹267.29 crore in 2025–26 (revised estimate ₹200 crore).
- Training goal: About 1.51 lakh beneficiaries are to be trained across States and Union Territories. States with large allocations include Uttar Pradesh (18,080), Jammu & Kashmir (14,960), Punjab (16,800) and Assam (12,020).
- Implementation: Because PM VIKAS is a Central Sector scheme, funds are not directly devolved to states. Instead, the ministry invites proposals from central and state agencies to run projects under the scheme.
Significance
- Inclusive development: By merging earlier programmes into a single scheme, PM VIKAS aims to streamline benefits and avoid overlap, ensuring minority communities receive comprehensive support.
- Women’s empowerment: Dedicated leadership and entrepreneurship training for minority women encourages greater participation in economic activities and decision‑making.
- Skill oriented: Modern skilling, coupled with market linkages such as ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ fairs, can enhance employability and preserve traditional crafts.
Conclusion
PM VIKAS reflects the government’s effort to equip minority communities with skills, education and infrastructure that foster economic independence. Continuous monitoring and flexible implementation will be essential to ensure that intended beneficiaries across states receive effective and timely support.
Source: Press Information Bureau
