PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and leadership training. The scheme supports both traditional and non-traditional skilling, with a special focus on National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) - compliant, market-oriented courses that enhance employability, self- employment, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Benefits Offer Under the Scheme
- Free skill training: Industry-relevant training in traditional crafts and modern job roles
- Stipend support: Financial assistance provided during training period
- Leadership & entrepreneurship: Training and support, especially for women entrepreneurs
- Employment linkages: Job placement support and industry connections
- Market access: Exposure through exhibitions and domestic/global market linkages
- Credit support: Access to loans and financial assistance for self-employment
- Self-employment promotion: Encourages enterprise creation (including women-led groups)
- Heritage preservation: Supports and upgrades traditional arts and crafts
- Infrastructure development: Creation of art & craft villages for livelihoods and tourism
Eligibility:
- Target beneficiaries: Individuals from notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis)
- Age limit: Generally 14-45 years for skilling/education and 18-45 years for leadership & entrepreneurship components
- Educational requirement: As per program norms-NSQF for skilling courses and NIOS/Open School norms for education
- Women participation: Reserved quotas (e.g., significant share in training, 100% in women leadership component)
- Artisans & youth from minority communities: Especially those engaged in traditional crafts or seeking employment skills
- Entrepreneurship component: Preference to candidates with aptitude/interest in leadership or business activities.
Application Details:
- Select course/component: Choose skilling, education, or entrepreneurship program.
- Apply via agency/portal: Submit application through authorized centres or official platforms
- Submit documents: Provide ID proof, educational certificates, EPIC, Aadhaar etc.
- Selection & verification: Shortlisting based on elligibility and program criteria
- Enroll in program: Join training, schooling, or leadership course
- Certification & support: Get certification plus placement/credit/enterprise support
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