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PM VIKAS Scheme: Socio-Economic Empowerment of Sikh Community

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolitySocial JusticeEconomy

Why in news

The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the PM VIKAS scheme to improve the socio-economic and educational status of six notified minority communities, including Sikhs. Recent data shows that over 11,000 Sikh candidates have been trained under the scheme, and loans have been disbursed to Sikh beneficiaries under NAFDC schemes. This information was shared by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

Background

The PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) scheme is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aimed at improving the socio-economic and educational status of six notified minority communities in India. It combines skill development, education, and leadership/entrepreneurship components.

Key facts

in5points

  1. PM VIKAS scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for six notified minority communities.

  2. Under PM VIKAS, a total target of 1.56 lakh beneficiaries has been allocated to 59 project implementation agencies across 31 states and union territories.

  3. Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has been allocated a target of 31,600 candidates.

  4. So far, 32,138 candidates have completed training under PM VIKAS, of which 11,217 are from the Sikh community (5,655 men and 5,562 women).

  5. Under various loan schemes of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), 972 beneficiaries from the Sikh community received ₹15.19 crore during FY 2025-26.

  6. The scheme is implemented through selected eligible project implementation agencies, government institutions, central and state public sector undertakings, minority community institutions, institutions of national importance, and reputed institutions.

  7. No state-wise allocation is made under PM VIKAS as it is a central sector scheme.

Prelims pointers

  • PM VIKAS: Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan
  • Ministry of Minority Affairs
  • Six notified minority communities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis
  • National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
  • Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC)
  • Central sector scheme
  • Rajya Sabha written reply
  • FY 2025-26

Mains angles

  • GS2: Government policies and interventions for development of minority communities
  • GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of society
  • GS3: Skill development and employment generation