Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme for Minorities

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-02-13 08:45:03 |

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The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme is an initiative aimed at supporting minority communities in India. Launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the programme focuses on the socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority groups: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. It is designed to ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, and infrastructure development for these communities.

One of the key objectives of the programme is to enhance educational opportunities for minorities. Various scholarship schemes have been introduced, such as Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships, which provide financial assistance to students from minority backgrounds. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme supports higher education by offering aid for M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes. The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship is specifically designed to encourage meritorious girls in secondary education. Additionally, the Naya Savera programme offers free coaching for students whose families earn less than Rs. 6 lakh annually, ensuring they have access to quality education.

To promote economic empowerment, the programme incorporates multiple skill development initiatives. The Seekho aur Kamao scheme focuses on enhancing the skills of minority youth, catering to both modern and traditional trades that align with current market demands. Another key initiative, the USTTAD scheme, supports traditional artisans by providing them with platforms like Hunar Haats to showcase and market their crafts. So far, 35 Hunar Haats have been organised, benefiting over five lakh artisans, with a significant number of them being women. Additionally, the Nai Manzil scheme and the Gharib Nawaz Employment Training Programme provide education and job-oriented short-term courses to improve employability.

Government support plays a crucial role in this initiative. The National Minorities Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC) offers concessional loans to encourage self-employment among minorities. Various other government missions, including the National Urban Livelihoods Mission and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, contribute to economic stability and financial inclusion for these communities. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has also made a significant impact, with over 11 lakh candidates from minority communities receiving skill training under the scheme. Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) is dedicated to improving basic amenities in minority-concentrated areas by investing in education, healthcare, and skill development projects.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs is responsible for overseeing the implementation of these schemes. Regular updates on the programme’s progress and achievements are made available on official government platforms. By addressing the specific challenges faced by minority communities, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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