Ministry of Minority Affairs holds 2nd Meeting of Jiyo Parsi Advisory Committee today in Mumbai

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Minority Affairs held the 2nd meeting of the Jiyo Parsi Advisory Committee in Mumbai to focus on population stabilization and community support measures for the Parsi community. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, addressed the declining Parsi population and reviewed the progress of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme. The meeting was held on February 28, 2024. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Meeting Overview:** * The 2nd meeting of the Jiyo Parsi Advisory Committee took place in Mumbai. * The meeting focused on population stabilization and community support measures. * **Attendees:** * Senior officials of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. * Representatives from the Minority Welfare Departments of Maharashtra and Gujarat. * Members of the Bombay and Gujarat Parsi Panchayats. * Representatives of the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). * **Discussion Points:** * Factors contributing to the decline in the Parsi population, including demographic trends, delayed marriages, socio-economic challenges, and changing social patterns. * Suggestions to address these issues through coordinated policy support and community participation. * Ways to promote timely and early marriages within the Parsi community. * Strengthening awareness initiatives. * Expanding counseling and matchmaking support systems. * Encouraging community-level engagement through Panchayats and institutions. * Enhancing outreach efforts among Parsi youth and families. * Importance of economic empowerment for long-term community sustainability. * **Jiyo Parsi Scheme Review:** * Review of the progress of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme aimed at reversing the declining population trend of the Parsi community. * The scheme provides financial assistance for medical support related to fertility treatments, childcare assistance, advocacy, awareness programmes, and community outreach initiatives. * **Government Commitment:** * Reaffirmation of the Government of India's continued commitment to preserving and strengthening the Parsi community's heritage, demographic vitality, and socio-economic well-being. **Impact Analysis** **Parsi Community** * **Impact:** Focus on addressing population decline, access to financial assistance, awareness initiatives, and economic empowerment opportunities. * **Action Required:** Members of the Parsi community, especially youth and women, are encouraged to avail concessional loans and entrepreneurship support provided by NMDFC for startups, self-employment, and skill-based enterprises. **Ministry of Minority Affairs, Maharashtra and Gujarat Minority Welfare Departments, Bombay and Gujarat Parsi Panchayats, NMDFC** * **Impact:** Required to collaborate on policy support, community participation, and implementation of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme. * **Action Required:** Contribute to coordinated efforts, strengthen awareness initiatives, and provide support and resources for the Parsi community.

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