Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

Brief
The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a central sector scheme that integrates five earlier initiatives (Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni, and Nai Manzil) into a single platform for the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities.

Objective
- To improve livelihoods of minority communities, particularly artisan groups, through skill development and education
- To preserve and promote India's rich cultural heritage and traditional arts/crafts
- To empower minority women via leadership and entrepreneurship training

Eligibility Criteria
- Target Group: Candidates must belong to one of the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, or Parsis (Zoroastrians)
- Age Limits:
    i. 14–45 years for Skilling and Education components
    ii. 18–45 years for Women Leadership & Entrepreneurship - Reservations: At least 33% seats are for women (reaching 100% in the leadership component) and 3% for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)

Benefits
- Skill Training: Modern and traditional skill development aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards
- Education Bridge: Supports school dropouts to complete Classes 8, 10, or 12 through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Financial Support: Includes stipends during training and credit linkages through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
- Market Access: Facilitates market linkages and e-commerce platform support for artisans

Nodal Department
Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA)