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MoU between Minority Affairs Ministry & ICAR-CMFRI under PM VIKAS

28 Aug 2025 GS 2 Govt schemes & initiatives
MoU between Minority Affairs Ministry & ICAR-CMFRI under PM VIKAS Click to view full image

Context: 

As part of the PM VIKAS scheme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is partnering with ICAR-CMFRI as an implementing institution for this project in Kerala, focusing on training 690 candidates from minority communities. 

Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme

Background 

Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme launched on 17th July 2025 at Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Kottayam.

PM VIKAS Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. 

It focuses on skill development, leadership, and entrepreneurship training for minorities and artisan communities. The scheme aims to benefit around 9 lakh candidates during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle.

Merged Schemes (Five Erstwhile Livelihood Schemes)

  1. Seekho aur Kamao – skill development for youth of minority communities.

  2. USTTAD (Upgrading Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/ Crafts for Development) – support to artisans and craftspersons.

  3. Hamari Dharohar – preservation of rich cultural heritage & Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

  4. Nai Roshni – leadership development of minority women.

  5. Nai Manzil – education and skilling for school dropouts.

Key Provisions of PM VIKAS

  1. Education & Skilling

    • NSQF-compliant training programmes to improve employability.

    • Bridge education for school dropouts, ensuring minimum schooling.

    • Modern job roles + traditional skills training.

    • Under the PM VIKAS Scheme, the implementing partners are to ensure placement of 75 per cent of total candidates trained under NSQF aligned skill programs.

  2. Entrepreneurship & Employment

    • Targeted programs for nano-entrepreneurs, artisans, craftspersons.

    • Support for access to credit, design, technology, and markets.

    • Handholding for self-employment/startups.

  3. Women Empowerment

    • Targeted support for women from minority communities.

    • Entrepreneurship & leadership training to enhance self-confidence and awareness of rights.

  4. Cultural Heritage Preservation

    • Documentation and preservation of traditional practices & ICH.

    • Enhancing cultural visibility through tourism, cross-cultural exchanges, advocacy events.

  5. Convergence & Inclusivity

    • Partnerships with State Governments & other stakeholders.

    • Synergy with other Central/State schemes.

    • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for transparency.


Additionally, to support self-employment and entrepreneurship, the National Minority Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC), under the Ministry, provides enterprise development loans and also showcases the schemes being implemented by the Government through the Ministry.

Alignment with SDGs

  • SDG 1: End poverty through livelihood generation.

  • SDG 5: Gender equality & women empowerment.

  • SDG 8: Sustainable economic growth, decent work & skilling.

  • SDG 10: Reduced inequalities within communities.




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