Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS)

GS2  – Governance

Context

A new PM-VIKAS Training Centre was inaugurated in Tilak Nagar, Delhi, under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) scheme to promote skills and entrepreneurship among minority communities.

About the Scheme:

• Launched: 2022 (under 15th Finance Commission Cycle: 2021–26)
• Objective:
  Promote livelihood generation, social inclusion, and cultural heritage preservation among minority groups.
• Coverage:
  Targets around 9 lakh beneficiaries from six notified minority communities.
• Core Components:
  1. Skilling
  2. Entrepreneurship
  3. Education
  4. Infrastructure Development
• Implementation Framework:
  In convergence with Skill India Mission, delivered via the Skill India Portal by certified PIAs.
• Financial Support:
  Linked with NMDFC and Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts for loans and market access.

Schemes Merged into PM-VIKAS:

Earlier Scheme	Focus
Seekho aur Kamao	Skilling for placement
USTTAD	Training in traditional crafts
Hamari Dharohar	Cultural preservation
Nai Roshni	Leadership training for women
Nai Manzil	Education and skilling for dropouts

Other Related Welfare Schemes:

• Garib Nawaz Employment Scheme – Placement-linked skilling
• Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship – For minority girls (classes 9–12)
• Hunar Haat – Market platform for minority artisans
• Nai Udaan – UPSC/PSC/SSC financial support
• Jiyo Parsi – Population support for Parsis
• NMDFC Loans – Concessional credit for businesses
• SPEMM – Quality education for madrasas
• PM Jan Vikas Karyakram – Community infrastructure development