Govt Allocates Rs 26 Cr for Nai Roshni Scheme

The recent announcement by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in the Rajya Sabha comes to highlight one of the key schemes benefiting the minority women in India – the Nai Roshni scheme. Between the period of 2018-19 to 2020-21, close to Rs 26 crore has been allocated for this scheme, with around one lakh women having undergone training as a result.

The Nai Roshni Scheme

Launched in 2012-13, the Nai Roshni scheme is a central sector initiative designed to uplift minority women between the ages of 18 to 65 years. It aims to empower these women and inculcate confidence not only in them but also in their neighbours from different communities living in the same vicinity. This is achieved by equipping them with the knowledge and techniques required to interact effectively with government systems, banking entities and other institutions at all levels.

To ensure maximum reach and effectiveness, the scheme is executed in collaboration with NGOs, civil societies, and government institutions across the country. The program encompasses various modules such as Leadership of women, Educational Programmes, Health and Hygiene, Swachch Bharat, Financial Literacy, Life Skills, Legal Rights of Women, Digital Literacy, and Advocacy for Social and Behavioral change.

The Impact of the Nai Roshni Scheme

Women empowerment is crucial not just for establishing equity but it also plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction, fostering economic growth, and bolstering civil society. In poverty-stricken families, it is the women and children who bear the brunt of the hardships. Therefore, empowering women, especially mothers, assumes heightened importance since they are instrumental in nourishing and shaping the character of the future generations within the home.

Through the Nai Roshni scheme, minority women are encouraged to step beyond the boundaries of their homes and communities, assume leadership roles, and assert their rights. It enables them to access services, facilities, skills, and opportunities more effectively and thereby claim their rightful share of government-driven development benefits. This, in turn, leads to improvements in their lives and living conditions.

Other Beneficial Schemes for Minority Women

The Nai Roshni scheme is not the only initiative aimed at uplifting minority women. Several other schemes such as the Garib Nawaz Employment Scheme, Seekho aur Kamao, Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls scholarships, Nai Manzil, and Usttad (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) also contribute towards achieving this objective. All these efforts collectively underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring the betterment of minority women in India.