New Delhi, Aug 10: Ministry of Minority Affairs implemented the following schemes/programmes for socio-economic empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities namely Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Muslims, Parsis and Sikhs across the country including the state of West Bengal irrespective of any topographic conditions:
1. PRADHAN MANTRI VIRASAT KA SAMVARDHAN (PM VIKAS)
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), an integrated Central Sector Scheme by combining the five erstwhile livelihood schemes, namely Seekho Aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil, to facilitate opportunities for minority communities in education, skilling and employment. The Scheme comprises four components, namely (i) Skilling and Training, (ii) Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship, (iii) Education, and (iv) Infrastructure Development through convergence with Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), wherever required.
2. PRADHAN MANTRI JAN VIKAS KARYAKRAM (PMJVK)
PMJVK, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aims to create community infrastructure in Minority Concentration Areas across the country in sectors such as Health, Education, Skill Development, Women-centric Projects, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sports, Renewable Energy and other community infrastructure.
3. CONCESSIONAL CREDIT SCHEMES OF NATIONAL MINORITIES DEVELOPMENT & FINANCE CORPORATION (NMDFC)
So far as NMDFC is concerned, it is functioning to promote the socio-economic development of the notified minority communities, namely Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains, across the country, including hill-based minority communities.
Under Credit Line-1 (CL-1), persons having an annual family income of up to ₹3.00 lakh are eligible for financial assistance under NMDFC schemes. Under Credit Line-2 (CL-2), persons having an annual family income of up to ₹8.00 lakh are eligible for financial assistance.
NMDFC implements its concessional credit schemes through State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations. In the State of West Bengal, the West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) is the designated State Channelising Agency and implements NMDFC schemes for eligible minority beneficiaries, including those belonging to hill-based minority communities, in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
This information was given by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
