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Understanding the PM VIKAS Scheme for Minority Empowerment

A Comprehensive Overview of Skill Development and Cultural Preservation

Understanding the PM VIKAS Scheme for Minority Empowerment

  • 02 Dec, 2025
  • 371

Overview of the PM VIKAS Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme is a significant initiative by the Indian government aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority communities. This Central Sector scheme emphasizes skill development, women's entrepreneurship, and educational rehabilitation for school dropouts, aligning traditional knowledge systems with modern livelihood opportunities.

Key Objectives of PM VIKAS

One of the primary objectives of PM VIKAS is to enhance the employability of minority youth through tailored skill training programs. The scheme is designed to meet market demands and provide access to employment or livelihood opportunities, fostering sustainable economic growth for marginalized communities. Training agencies involved in the initiative are required to achieve specific placement targets as part of their contractual obligations.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

A vital component of PM VIKAS is the preservation and promotion of traditional arts, crafts, and cultural practices. This support includes documentation and dissemination of literature, as well as showcasing unique intangible cultural heritage. By strengthening cultural identity, the scheme also opens up economic avenues for artisan communities.

Empowering Women through Leadership and Entrepreneurship

The PM VIKAS scheme places a strong emphasis on women's empowerment. It offers leadership development and entrepreneurship training specifically for minority women. This initiative aims to build their confidence, expand income sources, and enhance economic independence. Such a focus on women-led development aligns with broader national goals advocating gender-inclusive growth.

Exam-Oriented Facts about PM VIKAS

  • PM VIKAS is a Central Sector Scheme targeting six notified minority communities.
  • Three percent of seats are reserved for Persons with Disabilities under this initiative.
  • Participating Implementing Agencies (PIAs) must ensure 75% placement for skilled beneficiaries, with a minimum of 50% in the organized sector.
  • Allocation letters have been issued to train approximately 1.40 lakh beneficiaries.

Ensuring Livelihood Opportunities

To facilitate structured support, implementing agencies are mandated to provide apprenticeships, wage employment, or self-employment opportunities for trainees. Market and credit linkages are crucial components of the PM VIKAS scheme, ensuring that beneficiaries can effectively translate their training into sustainable livelihoods. As the implementation progresses, PM VIKAS is poised to enhance economic participation and preserve the rich cultural legacy of India’s minority communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main aim of the PM VIKAS scheme?
Answer: The PM VIKAS scheme aims at the socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority communities through skill development, women's entrepreneurship, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Q2. Who can benefit from the PM VIKAS scheme?
Answer: The scheme is designed for six notified minority communities, with specific provisions for Persons with Disabilities, promoting inclusivity in skill training and employment opportunities.

Q3. What are the training requirements under PM VIKAS?
Answer: Training agencies must ensure a minimum placement of 75% for skilled beneficiaries, with at least 50% placements in the organized sector, focusing on market demands.

Q4. How does PM VIKAS support women's empowerment?
Answer: The scheme provides leadership development and entrepreneurship training aimed at boosting confidence and economic independence among minority women, contributing to gender-inclusive growth.

Q5. What role does cultural preservation play in PM VIKAS?
Answer: PM VIKAS supports the documentation and promotion of traditional arts and crafts, thereby strengthening cultural identity and providing economic opportunities for artisan communities.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the PM VIKAS scheme?
A) Environmental conservation
B) Socio-economic upliftment of minority communities
C) Infrastructure development
D) Technological advancement
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many minority communities are targeted by the PM VIKAS scheme?
A) Four
B) Five
C) Six
D) Seven
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What percentage of placements must agencies ensure in the organized sector under PM VIKAS?
A) 30%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 70%
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is a key component of PM VIKAS related to cultural aspects?
A) Urban development
B) Preservation of traditional arts and crafts
C) Scientific research
D) Political reforms
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What aspect does PM VIKAS emphasize for women?
A) Sports training
B) Leadership and entrepreneurship
C) Political participation
D) Agricultural development
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which of the following is included in the PM VIKAS scheme's training initiatives?
A) Only theoretical education
B) Skill training linked to market demands
C) General knowledge
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B

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