PM VIKAS is an umbrella scheme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs launched to improve livelihoods, skilling, entrepreneurship and education for Minority communities, while also preserving traditional occupations.
PM VIKAS includes 6 merged schemes:
1️⃣ Seekho Aur Kamao
2️⃣ Nai Manzil
3️⃣ Hamari Dharohar
4️⃣ USTTAD
5️⃣ Nai Roshni
6️⃣ PMJVK (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram)
So instead of separate schemes, PM VIKAS is now the single umbrella platform for all.
Core Focus Areas of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS)
| Focus Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Education | Coaching, madarsa modernization, scholarships integration |
| 💼 Skilling | Industry-linked training with placement support |
| 🧵 Traditional Crafts | Tech upgradation & toolkit assistance |
| 👩🦰 Women Leadership | Nai Roshni components embedded |
| 🏫 Infrastructure Development | Minority-dominated areas via PMJVK |
| 💰 Entrepreneurship & Credit | Converged with Mudra loans |
Objectives of PM VIKAS
- Preserve and promote traditional crafts, trades and cultural heritage
- Provide skill development & advanced training
- Facilitate credit support at concessional interest rates
- Enable digital empowerment and formalisation of artisans
- Improve branding, packaging, and e-commerce market access
Target Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS)
PM VIKAS focuses on:
- Artisans and craftspeople belonging to Minority communities
- Traditional workers engaged in crafts such as:
- Zardozi, Handloom, Embroidery
- Pottery, Woodcraft, Brass work
- Leather and metal crafts
- Coir, cane, bamboo products
- Carpet and textile workers
- Self-employed micro-entrepreneurs from minority social groups
The scheme supports more than 18 traditional craft categories.
Key Components of PM VIKAS
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Skill Training (Basic + Advanced) | To enhance craftsmanship and productivity |
| Toolkit Support | Distribution of modern tools/equipment after training |
| Credit Assistance | Linkages with banks, subsidised loans |
| Market Linkages | Trade fairs, exhibitions, e-commerce onboarding |
| Design & Technology Upgradation | Collaboration with design institutes + experts |
| Digital Empowerment | Udyam registration, PAN-Aadhaar linking, digital payments |
Updates of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) scheme
The Government of India has accelerated implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) scheme, with allocation letters issued for training nearly 1.40 lakh beneficiaries across the country, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha. The move aims to enhance livelihood opportunities, skill development, and economic inclusion for youth belonging to minority communities.
Focus on Skilling and Economic Empowerment
PM-VIKAS provides industry-relevant training, toolkit support and entrepreneurship assistance to minority groups, while also preserving traditional crafts and heritage-based skills. Rijiju noted that the Ministry is closely monitoring implementation to ensure timely training completion and improved placement outcomes.
The scheme integrates multiple earlier welfare programmes—such as Seekho Aur Kamao, USTTAD, Nai Roshni and Hamari Dharohar—into a single unified platform, enabling consistent delivery of support and efficient fund utilisation.
Targets and Beneficiary Outreach
Officials stated that the government has set a multi-year skilling target, with priority given to women, artisans and youth from economically weaker families. Training partners and institutions across states have already begun mobilising candidates through the PM-Daksh digital portal.
“This is a major milestone toward ensuring that minority communities are not left behind in India’s growth story,” the Minister emphasised.
Preserving Craft Heritage with Technology
The scheme supports technology upgrades, e-commerce onboarding and branding initiatives for artisans involved in handloom, handicrafts, woodwork, metalwork, embroidery, coir, pottery and other traditional skills. The focus is on improving market access and ensuring fair returns for skilled workers.
Exam-Oriented Facts
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) |
| Ministry | Minority Affairs |
| Beneficiaries Allocated Training (2024-25) | 1.40 lakh |
| Core Focus | Skilling, entrepreneurship, heritage preservation |
| Digital Platform Used | PM-Daksh Portal |
| Beneficiary Sections | Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis & Jains |
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