PM VIKAS Scheme Aims to Empower Minority Communities Through Skills and Heritage

The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, a Central Sector initiative, focuses on the socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority communities. Implemented with an emphasis on skill development, women’s entrepreneurship and educational rehabilitation for school dropouts, the scheme seeks to align traditional knowledge systems with modern livelihood opportunities.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that allocation letters have been issued for training about 1.40 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme, marking a significant push toward inclusive development.

Objectives of Skill Development and Employment

PM VIKAS aims to enhance the employability of minority youth through need-based skill training programmes and targeted interventions. By linking training with market demands and ensuring access to employment or livelihood opportunities, the scheme promotes sustainable economic growth for marginalised communities. Training agencies are mandated to meet placement targets as part of their contractual obligations.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

A major component of PM VIKAS is the preservation and promotion of traditional arts, crafts and cultural practices. Support includes documentation, propagation of literature and showcasing unique intangible cultural heritage, thereby strengthening both cultural identity and economic avenues for artisan communities.

Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship

The scheme offers leadership development and entrepreneurship training specifically for minority women, aiming to build confidence, expand income sources and improve economic independence. This focus on women-led development reflects broader national goals of gender-inclusive growth.

Exam Oriented Facts

• PM VIKAS is a Central Sector Scheme for six notified minority communities.
• Three percent of seats under the scheme are reserved for Persons with Disabilities.
• PIAs must ensure 75% placement of skilled beneficiaries, with 50% in the organised sector.
• Allocation letters issued for training about 1.40 lakh beneficiaries.

Ensuring Livelihood Opportunities Through Structured Support

Under non-traditional skilling, implementing agencies must provide apprenticeships, wage or self-employment opportunities for trainees. Market and credit linkages form an essential part of the scheme, ensuring beneficiaries can translate their training into sustainable livelihoods. As implementation scales up, PM VIKAS is positioned to strengthen economic participation and preserve the cultural legacy of India’s minority communities.