The Ministry of Minority Affairs has begun implementing Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), a Central Sector Scheme aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities. The scheme was approved in January 2025 and its implementation has started in the current financial year. It combines skill development, education support, women’s entrepreneurship, and infrastructure-related interventions for minority welfare.
Scheme Objective
PM VIKAS is designed to improve livelihoods and social outcomes among minority communities. It focuses on:
- Skilling and training in both traditional and non-traditional sectors.
- Women leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Education support through the National Institute of Open Schooling.
- Infrastructure development through Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.
Implementation Framework
The scheme is a Central Sector Scheme, which means funds are not directly allocated to States for implementation. Instead, the Ministry is inviting proposals through Central Government Ministries, Departments, and State or Union Territory governments from eligible agencies. The scheme is intended for pan-India implementation through Project Implementing Agencies.
Beneficiary Coverage
So far, a target of about 1.51 lakh beneficiaries has been assigned to Project Implementing Agencies across States and Union Territories. The detailed State and Union Territory-wise distribution of beneficiaries has been placed on record since the scheme’s inception. Training and other project activities have only recently commenced, so implementation outcomes are still being assessed.
Current Status and Monitoring
Since PM VIKAS has only recently been rolled out, the Ministry has stated that implementation challenges, if any, will emerge as the scheme progresses. The focus at present is on project rollout, beneficiary training, and coordination with implementing agencies for wider coverage.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026