PM Vikas Yojana: Inclusive Development of Minorities
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed Rajya Sabha about PM Vikas Yojana's implementation, clarifying that no separate allocation increase for Punjab is proposed. The scheme ensures equal access to all notified minority communities across states.
Background
PM Vikas Yojana is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, launched to provide education, skill development, and employment opportunities to minority communities.
Key facts
PM Vikas Yojana is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
It aims to provide opportunities in education, skill development, and employment to minority communities.
Projects under the scheme are allocated to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) irrespective of states.
No state-wise allocation details are maintained; no separate increase for Punjab has been proposed.
Eligibility: Indian citizens belonging to notified minority communities under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 (Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jain, Parsi, Sikh).
State-notified minority communities are also eligible, but their total seats in the scheme cannot exceed 5%.
Information was provided by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
Prelims pointers
- PM Vikas Yojana
- Ministry of Minority Affairs
- National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992
- Notified minority communities: Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jain, Parsi, Sikh
- Central sector scheme
- Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs)
- 5% cap on state-notified minority seats
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of PM Vikas Yojana in promoting inclusive development of minorities.
- Critically examine the criteria for identification of minority communities in India.
- Analyze the effectiveness of central sector schemes in addressing regional disparities.