The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK), recently renamed as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, is sparking new conversations. This Central-Sector Scheme is aimed at fulfilling the skilling, entrepreneurship, and leadership training needs of the minority and artisan communities all over India.
The Integrated Approach of PM VIKAS Scheme
PM VIKAS Scheme is an integrated program that brings together five previous schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs under one umbrella. These are:
– Seekho aur Kamao:
This placement-linked skill development initiative aims to upgrade the skills of minority youth based on their qualifications, current economic trends, and market potential.
– USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development):
USTTAD’s objective is to promote and preserve the rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts within the minority communities.
– Hamari Dharohar:
This scheme has been designed to protect the rich heritage of India’s minority communities.
– Nai Roshni:
Started in 2012-13, Nai Roshni is a Leadership Development Programme tailored for women from minority communities aged between 18 and 65 years.
– Nai Manzil:
Targeting men and women from six notified minority communities aged between 17-35 years without a formal school leaving certificate, Nai Manzil aims to offer benefits to the youth. The scheme has secured approval from the Cabinet for the duration of the 15th Finance Commission.
Main Components of PM VIKAS Scheme
The PM VIKAS Scheme consists of four main components — skill and training, leadership and entrepreneurship, education, and infrastructure development. The overarching goal of these components is to better the living conditions of the minorities, especially the artisan communities, through skill development, education, women leadership, and entrepreneurship. By facilitating credit and market linkages, the scheme also provides support aimed at improving beneficiaries’ income.
Other Minority-Related Schemes
In addition to the PM VIKAS Scheme, several others have been launched to serve the minority communities. These include:
– Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram:
This program is devised to develop socio-economic assets and basic amenities, such as schools, colleges, polytechnics, girls’ hostels, ITI, and skill development centers for minority communities.
– Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls Scholarships:
Dedicated to economically backward girls from the six notified Minority communities, this scholarship helps them continue their academic journey.
– Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme:
This initiative was launched to offer short-term job-oriented skill development courses to minority youth, thereby enhancing their employability.
– Hunar Haat:
This initiative aims to provide market and employment opportunities to master artisans, craftsmen, and traditional culinary experts.
