The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Government of India, represents a transformative step toward empowering the country’s minority communities. By consolidating five earlier schemes—Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roshni, USTTAD, and Hamari Dharohar—PM VIKAS aims to uplift six notified minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians) through a holistic approach centered on skill development, entrepreneurship, leadership training, and educational support. As of 2025, this flagship initiative is poised to create sustainable livelihood opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and foster inclusive socio-economic development across India. This article explores the scheme’s objectives, components, implementation strategies, and its potential to reshape the lives of minority artisans and communities.
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What Is PM VIKAS
Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a flagship scheme by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, launched to empower six notified minority communities—Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians. Targeting 9 lakh beneficiaries by 2025-26, it consolidates five earlier schemes: Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roshni, USTTAD, and Hamari Dharohar. PM VIKAS focuses on skill development, entrepreneurship, education, and cultural preservation.
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| PM VIKAS |
It offers traditional and non-traditional skilling for 6 lakh youth and artisans, leadership and entrepreneurship training for 2 lakh women, and bridge education for school dropouts. The scheme introduces Vishwakarma Villages under a Hub and Spoke model to promote crafts and tourism. By facilitating market and credit linkages through NMDFC and platforms like Hunar Haat, PM VIKAS fosters sustainable livelihoods, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes inclusive socio-economic development for minorities across India. For details, visit pmvikas.minorityaffairs.gov.in.
PM VIKAS Highlights
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Government of India |
| Target Beneficiaries | 9 lakh individuals from six notified minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians) |
| Objective | Empower minorities through skill development, entrepreneurship, education, and cultural preservation. |
| Consolidated Schemes | Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roshni, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar |
| Timeline | Aligned with 15th Finance Commission cycle (up to 2025-26) |
| Skilling and Training | Traditional Training: Targets 1 lakh artisans for traditional crafts (USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar) Non-Traditional Skilling: Targets 5 lakh youth for NSQF-compliant job roles (Seekho Aur Kamao) |
| Education Component | Bridge programs for school dropouts to complete Class 8, 10, or 12 via NIOS (Nai Manzil) |
| Recent Milestones | July 2025: Empowered Committee reviewed implementation March 2025: Program launched for 31,600 candidates (29,600 for skilling, 2,000 for education), July 2025: Trained 150 youth in IoT and 300 women in entrepreneurship |
| Category | Central Govt Scheme |
| Official Website | pmvikas.minorityaffairs.gov.in |
Jal Jeevan Mission
Background and Objectives of PM VIKAS
India’s minority communities, despite their rich cultural contributions, often face barriers in accessing education, employment, and economic opportunities. Recognizing these challenges, the Ministry of Minority Affairs introduced PM VIKAS to address systemic gaps and empower approximately 9 lakh beneficiaries nationwide. The scheme, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle (up to 2025-26), integrates existing programs into a unified framework to maximize impact. Its core objectives include:
- Skill Development: Equipping minority youth and artisans with market-relevant skills to enhance employability and self-employment opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship and Leadership: Fostering leadership qualities and entrepreneurial skills, particularly among women, to promote economic independence.
- Educational Support: Providing bridge programs for school dropouts to complete formal education up to the 12th grade.
- Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding traditional arts, crafts, and heritage while connecting artisans to domestic and global markets.
- Market and Credit Linkages: Facilitating access to loans through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) and market opportunities via platforms like Lok Samvardhan Parv and Hunar Haat.
By converging with initiatives like the Skill India Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), PM VIKAS ensures a multi-dimensional approach to empowerment, blending skill training with infrastructure development and cultural promotion.
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Phase ii
Components of PM VIKAS
The PM VIKAS scheme is structured around four key components, each addressing specific needs of minority communities:
Skilling and Training Component
This component is divided into two sub-components to cater to both traditional and non-traditional skillsets:
- Traditional Training (USTTAD and Hamari Dharohar): Focused on preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts, this sub-component targets 1 lakh minority artisans. Training programs cover need-based courses for artisans engaged in languishing art forms, helping them enhance their skills and connect with global markets. The objective is to create sustainable livelihoods while preserving India’s cultural heritage.
- Non-Traditional Skilling (Seekho Aur Kamao): Aimed at 5 lakh youth, this sub-component provides training in National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)-compliant job roles, particularly in sectors linked to arts and crafts. It emphasizes employment linkages to ensure financial independence.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component (Nai Roshni)
This component focuses on empowering 2 lakh women from minority communities through leadership and entrepreneurship training. It includes:
- Leadership Training: A 60-hour module to build confidence and decision-making skills among women.
- Entrepreneurship Training: A 100-hour intensive program for 1 lakh women, handholding aspiring entrepreneurs to establish individual or group enterprises. Selected participants are trained to become Biz Sakhis (business mentors) to guide others in their entrepreneurial journey.
This component aims to break gender barriers, enabling women to engage with government systems, financial institutions, and markets effectively.
Under the PM VIKAS scheme, the @MOMAIndia is empowering artisans by organising Lok Samvardhan Parvs, providing them a platform to showcase their crafts, connect with buyers & explore new opportunities. These events offer workshops on market linkages, financial support &… pic.twitter.com/sfSkRxOrZp
— Office of Kiren Rijiju (@RijijuOffice) March 24, 2025
Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme
Education Component (Nai Manzil)
- Targeting school dropouts from minority and artisan communities, this component provides bridge education programs to help beneficiaries complete Class 8, 10, or 12 through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or other approved institutions. By offering formal certification, it enhances employability and opens pathways to higher education, addressing a critical barrier to socio-economic mobility.
Infrastructure Development Component (Hub and Spoke Model)
PM VIKAS introduces a unique Hub and Spoke model through the development of Vishwakarma Villages—model art and craft villages that serve as hubs to promote local artistry, tourism, and commerce. These villages aim to:
- Showcase and market traditional crafts.
- Provide infrastructure support through convergence with PMJVK.
- Enhance incomes by connecting artisans to buyers and tourists.
- Foster a cultural identity for artisan communities.
The hubs facilitate outreach to surrounding Spoke villages, ensuring benefits reach remote areas. This component synergizes arts with trade, tradition, and tourism, creating sustainable ecosystems for artisans.
Implementation and Stakeholder Collaboration
The implementation of PM VIKAS is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), knowledge partners, and government bodies. Key implementation strategies include:
- Convergence with Other Ministries: PM VIKAS aligns with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Women & Child Development, and others to leverage existing infrastructure and resources.
- Selection of Art & Craft Clusters: The scheme prioritizes Minority Concentrated Areas (MCAs) to ensure targeted interventions.
- Empanelment of PIAs: Eligible PIAs include government institutions, registered societies, trusts, companies, or industry associations with at least three years of experience in skill development or social welfare. A special provision reserves 10% of targets for micro-organizations with a turnover of at least Rs 50 lakh and a strong community connect.
- Digital Integration: The scheme integrates with the Skill India Portal for streamlined training and certification processes.
- Market and Credit Linkages: Partnerships with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and NMDFC ensure artisans access markets and financial support.
Recent developments highlight the scheme’s progress. For instance, a July 2025 Empowered Committee meeting reviewed implementation strategies, while a March 2025 program launch by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju covered 31,600 candidates (29,600 for skill training and 2,000 for educational support). Additionally, Lok Samvardhan Parv events, building on the success of 41 Hunar Haat events, provide platforms for artisans to showcase their crafts, connect with buyers, and explore new opportunities.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Impact and Potential
The PM VIKAS scheme has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape for India’s minority communities. By targeting 9 lakh beneficiaries, it addresses critical gaps in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Key impacts include:
- Economic Empowerment: Skill training and market linkages enable artisans to achieve financial independence, with initiatives like Seekho Aur Kamao having already trained 4.68 lakh beneficiaries under its earlier avatar.
- Women’s Empowerment: The focus on Nai Roshni and Biz Sakhis empowers women to take leadership roles and establish enterprises, fostering gender equity.
- Cultural Preservation: By supporting traditional crafts and organizing events like Lok Samvardhan Parv, the scheme preserves India’s rich heritage while creating economic value.
- Educational Upliftment: The Nai Manzil component ensures school dropouts gain certifications, opening doors to better career prospects.
- Sustainable Development: The Vishwakarma Villages model promotes sustainable livelihoods by integrating arts, tourism, and commerce.
A notable example of the scheme’s impact is a July 2025 project under PM VIKAS, training 150 youth in the Internet of Things (IoT) and 300 women in entrepreneurship, with stipends and industry linkages provided to ensure employability.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While PM VIKAS holds immense promise, challenges remain. Ensuring effective implementation across diverse regions, especially in remote MCAs, requires robust coordination among stakeholders. The scheme must also address the digital divide to ensure artisans can leverage online platforms for market access. Additionally, continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms are essential to refine the program based on ground realities.
To maximize impact, the government could:
- Expand outreach to underserved regions through mobile training units.
- Enhance digital infrastructure for artisans to access e-commerce platforms.
- Strengthen partnerships with private sectors to scale market linkages.
- Increase awareness campaigns to ensure eligible beneficiaries apply through the official PM VIKAS website.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) 2025 scheme is a visionary initiative that blends skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation to empower India’s minority communities. By integrating five erstwhile schemes and adopting a multi-faceted approach, it addresses systemic barriers while creating opportunities for sustainable growth. With its focus on women’s empowerment, educational support, and the innovative Vishwakarma Villages model, PM VIKAS is not just a scheme but a movement toward inclusive development. As it progresses, the scheme promises to uplift millions, preserve India’s cultural heritage, and build a more equitable future for minority artisans and communities.
| PM VIKAS Guidelines PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Central Government Scheme | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Telegram |
FAQs on Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) 2025
Q. What is the PM VIKAS scheme?
PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, aimed at empowering six notified minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians) through skill development, entrepreneurship, education, and cultural preservation.
Q. Who are the target beneficiaries of PM VIKAS?
The scheme targets approximately 9 lakh individuals from the six notified minority communities, including artisans, youth, women, and school dropouts, with a focus on Minority Concentrated Areas (MCAs).
Q. What are the key objectives of PM VIKAS?
- Provide market-relevant skill training to enhance employability.
- Promote entrepreneurship and leadership, especially among women.
- Support school dropouts to complete formal education (Class 8, 10, or 12).
- Preserve traditional arts and crafts while connecting artisans to markets.
- Facilitate credit and market linkages for sustainable livelihoods.
Q. Which schemes have been merged into PM VIKAS?
PM VIKAS consolidates five earlier schemes:
- Seekho Aur Kamao (Skill Development)
- Nai Manzil (Education for School Dropouts)
- Nai Roshni (Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Women)
- USTTAD (Upgrading Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts)
- Hamari Dharohar (Preservation of Cultural Heritage)
Q. What are the main components of PM VIKAS?
The scheme has four key components:
- Skilling and Training: Traditional training for 1 lakh artisans and non-traditional skilling for 5 lakh youth.
- Leadership and Entrepreneurship: Leadership and entrepreneurship training for 2 lakh women, including 1 lakh to become Biz Sakhis.
- Education: Bridge programs for school dropouts to complete Class 8, 10, or 12 via NIOS.
- Infrastructure Development: Hub and Spoke model with Vishwakarma Villages to promote crafts and tourism.
Q. What support is provided for women under PM VIKAS?
- The Nai Roshni component targets 2 lakh women, offering: 60-hour leadership training to build confidence and decision-making skills.
- 100-hour entrepreneurship training for 1 lakh women to establish enterprises, with selected participants trained as Biz Sakhis to mentor others.
Q. How does PM VIKAS support education?
Through the Nai Manzil component, the scheme provides bridge education programs for school dropouts from minority and artisan communities to complete Class 8, 10, or 12 via the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or other approved institutions.
Q. What is the Hub and Spoke model in PM VIKAS?
The Hub and Spoke model involves developing Vishwakarma Villages as hubs to promote traditional crafts, tourism, and commerce. These hubs support surrounding Spoke villages, ensuring artisans in remote areas benefit from market linkages and infrastructure.
Q. How does PM VIKAS align with other government initiatives?
It converges with programs like the Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), and ministries such as Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Tourism, and Women & Child Development to leverage resources and infrastructure.
Q. What are some recent milestones of PM VIKAS?
- March 2025: Program launched for 31,600 candidates (29,600 for skill training, 2,000 for education).
- July 2025: Empowered Committee reviewed implementation strategies.
- July 2025: Trained 150 youth in IoT and 300 women in entrepreneurship with stipends and industry linkages.
Q. How can artisans and youth apply for PM VIKAS?
Eligible beneficiaries can apply through the official PM VIKAS website (pmvikas.minorityaffairs.gov.in) or contact local PIAs and Minority Affairs offices for details on training programs and application processes.
Q. What is the role of Vishwakarma Villages?
Vishwakarma Villages serve as model art and craft villages (hubs) that promote local artistry, tourism, and commerce, connecting artisans to buyers and fostering sustainable livelihoods.