**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is organizing a two-day 'Chintan Shivir' at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, on February 18-19, 2026. The event aims to create a roadmap for minority welfare and socio-economic empowerment through discussions on critical issues and action-oriented strategies. The inaugural session on February 19 will witness the launch of three digital initiatives.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Details:**
* Two-day 'Chintan Shivir' at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar.
* Dates: February 18-19, 2026.
* Focus: Roadmap for minority welfare and socio-economic empowerment.
* **Participants:**
* Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju.
* Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian.
* State and UT Ministers (including Shri Adv Kento Jini, Shri Imkongmar, Shri Samdup Lepcha, Shri Sukla Charan Noatia, and MD Zama Khan).
* Senior officials from the Ministry and State governments.
* Stakeholders.
* **Discussion Themes:**
* Infrastructure Development (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram - PMJVK).
* Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation).
* Waqf Management.
* Haj Management.
* **Technology Initiatives Launch (February 19):**
* PMJVK Mobile Application (for enhanced project monitoring and transparency).
* Haj Suvidha Smart Wrist Band (for safety and convenience of Haj pilgrims).
* AI-powered Chatbot (on the Ministry's portal for citizen services and query resolution).
* **Event Structure:**
* **Day 1 (February 18, 2026):** Briefing sessions, thematic presentations, presentations by IFCI, FITT IIT Delhi, and Survey of India, followed by a cultural program.
* **Day 2 (February 19, 2026):** Yoga session, inaugural ceremony, focused group discussions, thematic consolidations, and formulation of actionable recommendations.
* **Expected Outcomes:**
* Concrete action points for improving program implementation.
* Innovative solutions to address challenges faced by minority communities.
* Strengthened inter-governmental coordination mechanisms.
* Comprehensive roadmap for accelerated socio-economic development.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Minority Affairs, State Ministers, Senior Officials**
* **Impact:** This event will set the direction for minority welfare programs and initiatives.
* **Action Required:** Actively participate in discussions, share best practices, and contribute to the formulation of the roadmap and actionable recommendations.
**Minority Communities**
* **Impact:** The event aims to address challenges faced by minority communities and accelerate their socio-economic development.
* **Action Required:** N/A
**Haj Pilgrims**
* **Impact:** Enhanced safety and convenience through the "Haj Suvidha Smart Wrist Band".
* **Action Required:** N/A
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Minority Affairs: The central ministry organizing the 'Chintan Shivir' and responsible for policies concerning minority communities.
Chintan Shivir: A two-day national event focusing on a roadmap for minority welfare and socio-economic empowerment.
Nalanda University: The location in Rajgir, Bihar, where the 'Chintan Shivir' event is being held.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK): A key program focused on infrastructure development for minority welfare, to be discussed at the Chintan Shivir.
Bihar: The state where the 'Chintan Shivir' event is held and whose representatives are participating.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Ministry of Minority Affairs organizing 'Chintan
Shivir' at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar
Two-Day National event to focus on Roadmap for Minority
Welfare and Socio-Economic Empowerment
Posted On: 18 FEB 2026 11:45AM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Minority Affairs is organizing a landmark two-day 'Chintan Shivir' at Nalanda University,
Rajgir, Bihar on 18-19 February 2026. The significant event will be graced by Union Minister of Minority
Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju; Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri
George Kurian and various State Ministers, senior officials, and stakeholders to deliberate on critical
issues affecting minority communities and chart an action-oriented roadmap for their socio-economic
development.
The Chintan Shivir will also witness the participation of State and UT Ministers Shri Adv Kento Jini,
Minister from Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Imkongmar, Minister (Advisor & MLA) from Nagaland; Shri
Samdup Lepcha, Minister, Social Welfare Department from Sikkim; Shri Sukla Charan Noatia, Minister,
Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Tripura; and MD Zama Khan, Minister, Minorities
Welfare Department from Bihar. The event will also see active participation from senior officials of the
Ministry and various State governments.
Five Key Thematic Areas for Discussion:The Chintan Shivir will feature focused group discussions on five critical themes that form the cornerstone
of minority welfare like Infrastructure Development (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram -
PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + National Minorities Development &
Finance Corporation), Waqf Management, Haj Management etc.
These interactive sessions will encourage active participation from all stakeholders through facilitated
discussions, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving to identify implementation gaps, best
practices, and actionable recommendations.
Major Technology Initiatives to be Launched:
The inaugural session on 19 February will witness the launch of three cutting-edge digital initiatives:
• PMJVK Mobile Application – for enhanced project monitoring and transparency
• Haj Suvidha Smart Wrist Band – to ensure safety and convenience for Haj pilgrims
• AI-powered Chatbot – on the Ministry's portal for citizen services and query resolution
Event Structure:
Day 1 (18 February 2026) will feature briefing sessions on the approach and methodology of the Chintan
Shivir, thematic presentations by senior officials, and special presentations by Industrial Finance
Corporation of India (IFCI), Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) IIT Delhi, and
Survey of India. The day will conclude with a cultural programme showcasing the rich heritage of Bihar.
Day 2 (19 February 2026) will commence with a yoga session, followed by the inaugural ceremony
graced by Hon'ble Ministers from Centre and States. The day will be dedicated to focused group
discussions, thematic consolidations, and formulation of actionable recommendations for policy direction
and programme refinement.
Significance of the Venue:
The choice of Nalanda University, Rajgir, as the venue holds symbolic significance. Nalanda, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, represents India's ancient tradition of knowledge, learning, and inclusive dialogue –
values that resonate deeply with the objectives of this Chintan Shivir. The historic setting provides an
inspiring backdrop for deliberations on minority welfare and national development.
The Chintan Shivir is expected to yield concrete action points for improving programme implementation,
innovative solutions to address challenges faced by minority communities, strengthened inter-
governmental coordination mechanisms, and a comprehensive roadmap for accelerated socio-economic
development of minority communities aligned with national development goals.
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AK/MR
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