The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aims to uplift six notified minority communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and education support. By converging five previous schemes—‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’, and ‘USTTAD’—the programme fosters economic inclusion while facilitating credit access for beneficiaries through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

Market and Industry Outlook: With a growing emphasis on inclusive economic development, India's policies are increasingly targeting skill enhancement and entrepreneurship among marginalised communities. The PM VIKAS scheme aligns with this vision, aiming to integrate minority artisans, women entrepreneurs, and skilled workers into mainstream markets. Initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv have played a crucial role in showcasing traditional craftsmanship, boosting demand for indigenous products, and opening up new economic opportunities. Since 2015, 43 such events have been organised nationwide, promoting heritage-linked businesses and facilitating market linkages. As India moves towards a more self-reliant economy, such schemes contribute to employment generation, financial inclusion, and social empowerment, making minorities active participants in the nation’s economic progress.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, shared insights into the scheme’s progress in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He confirmed that the Ministry is in the process of finalising project proposals under PM VIKAS, ensuring targeted interventions for minority communities.

Aimed at enhancing employability and entrepreneurship, PM VIKAS provisions skill training, education support for school dropouts, and leadership development for minority women. Furthermore, it facilitates credit linkages, connecting beneficiaries with financial assistance schemes under NMDFC.

The Ministry’s Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv initiatives have been instrumental in promoting traditional artisans by offering a platform to market their products. These events have successfully fostered entrepreneurship, encouraged cultural heritage preservation, and enhanced the economic prospects of minority communities.

By integrating skill development with financial empowerment, the PM VIKAS scheme strengthens economic resilience within minority groups. Its holistic approach—blending education, leadership training, and business opportunities—ensures sustainable growth and social mobility for beneficiaries. As India continues to drive inclusive development, such initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering an equitable economic landscape.