PM VIKAS Scheme Advances Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for Minority Communities

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs regularly reviews the implementation of the PM VIKAS Scheme for skill development and entrepreneurship among minority communities.
• PM VIKAS Scheme guidelines were approved in January 2025, encompassing skilling and training, women leadership and entrepreneurship, and education.
• The scheme is implemented through 59 Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) across various states and UTs.
• A total of 80,918 candidates have been enrolled under the scheme to date.
• Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju provided this information in Rajya Sabha.

Detailed Insights:

• Periodic review meetings are conducted with PIAs, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Awarding Bodies, and other stakeholders to assess progress and address challenges.
• Identified areas for strengthening include improving industry linkages, enhancing placement opportunities, and focusing on apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training (OJT).
• The scheme aims to align training programs with emerging and future skill requirements to improve employment outcomes.
• A multi-pronged approach includes industry-aligned skilling through reputed institutions and industry-linked PIAs.
• For self-employment, the scheme provides career counselling, entrepreneurship development training, and mentoring support through Business Mentors/Udyami Mitras.
• It also integrates credit linkages with the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) to facilitate access to concessional finance for enterprise development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM VIKAS Scheme: A government initiative focused on skill development, women leadership, entrepreneurship, and education for minority communities.
• National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC): A public sector undertaking providing concessional finance for socio-economic development of backward sections among minorities.
• Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs): Organizations responsible for executing and managing specific projects or components of a larger scheme.