Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme

PM VIKAS Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman) empowers traditional artisans and craftsmen in India through skill development, financial aid, and market access.

Table of Contents

Context: The Union Government has recently launched the PM VIKAS scheme for the upliftment of minority communities.

About PM VIKAS Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan)

PM VIKAS Scheme is a Central sector scheme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA).
It aims to empower minority and artisan communities through inclusive development.
PM-VIKAS is an integrated scheme combining (5) existing schemes of MoMA viz. Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil.

Key Components of PM VIKAS Scheme

Skilling & Training: Offers traditional and non-traditional skill training for better employment opportunities.
Leadership & Entrepreneurship: Focuses on developing leadership skills, especially for women, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Education: Provides open schooling for minority dropouts (8th, 10th, and 12th grades).
Infrastructure Development: Promotes Vishwakarma Villages to boost art, crafts, tourism, and commerce.

Objectives

Economic Empowerment: Through skill development and entrepreneurship.
Social Inclusion: Ensures opportunities for all, especially women and youth.
Cultural Preservation: Supports traditional arts and crafts.
Local Economy Growth: Develops infrastructure for tourism and artisan products.

Expected Outcomes

Increased Employment: The integration of skill training and entrepreneurship is expected to boost employment opportunities within minority communities.
Improved Educational Outcomes: The provision of open schooling will ensure higher literacy rates and improved education levels for marginalized sections.
Stronger Local Economies: Infrastructure development through Vishwakarma Villages will promote local economies, boosting income generation through arts, crafts, and tourism.

Minorities

The Constitution of India does not define the term “Minority”.
The Central Government has notified six communities as minority communities under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
- Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains.
- As per the 2011 census, the percentage of minorities in India’s population is 19.3%.

PM VIKAS aligns with the government’s broader goals of empowering marginalized communities, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring economic prosperity through skill development, education, and cultural preservation. It will play a pivotal role in improving the socio-economic conditions of minority and artisan groups across India, contributing to sustainable development and social cohesion.