Parliament Question: Budget Allocation for Minority Welfare Schemes in Ladakh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2865 ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025 BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR MINORITY WELFARE SCHEMES IN LADAKH 2865. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA: Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the details of the annual budget allocated and actually spent for minority welfare schemes in the Union Territory of Ladakh during each of the last three financial years including education, skill development, handicrafts and livelihood-related programmes; (b) whether the Government has taken note that the present allocation for Ladakh is insufficient to meet the needs of minority communities particularly students, artisans, small traders and local entrepreneurs operating in remote areas and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to increase Grants-in-Aid and introduce special financial packages for Ladakh focusing on education support, artisan development, marketing assistance and trade facilitation and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government is planning to consider organising dedicated exhibitions, loanmela awareness camps and market-linkage initiatives at regional and national platforms to promote Ladakh’s minority artisan products and enhance access to credit and marketing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU) (a) to (d): Ministry of Minority Affairs implements various schemes across the country for socio- economic and educational empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities. These schemes give representation to all weaker segments of society including minorities. Ministry of Minority Affairs allocate fund scheme-wise not state-wise. However, Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) which is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs for creation of community infrastructure in the Minority Concentration Areas across the country in the sectors viz. Health, Skill Development, Education, Women Centric Projects, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sports, Renewable energy, Tourism, Animal Husbandry and Other Community Infrastructure. PMJVK being a demand-driven scheme, States/UTs-wise budget allocation is not made under the scheme. However, the details of funds released to UT of Ladakh during the last three year are as under: (Rs. in Crore) Financial Year Fund R eleased 2022-23 - 2023-24 3.06 2024-25 12.92Ministry of Minority Affairs is also implementing Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a Central Sector Scheme focusing on the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minorities through skill development; entrepreneurship among minority women; and education support for school dropouts across the country, including the Union Territory of Ladakh. Under the scheme, the projects are implemented at a pan-India level and therefore, no funds are allocated to States/UTs. i. The scheme guidelines were approved in January 2025, accordingly, the process to allocate projects under the scheme was initiated thereafter. So far, a target of 1.40 lakh beneficiaries has been allocated to 42 Project Implementing Agencies (as on date). Under PM VIKAS, allocation of targets commenced only recently, therefore, no expenditure could be made under PM VIKAS during last three financial years (FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24 & FY 2024-25). ii. The Ministry is currently inviting proposals through Central Government Ministries/Departments and State/ UT governments from eligible agencies under the Scheme for a pan-India implementation including proposals from Union Territory of Ladakh. Currently, no such proposals have been received from the Union Territory of Ladakh for implementation under the PM VIKAS scheme. iii. The Ministry organises 'Lok Samvardhan Parvs' to provide artisans with a unique opportunity to showcase their indigenous arts, crafts, and rich cultural heritage. The event has been designed not only to promote the traditions of minority communities but also to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial environment for artisans. The Ministry also leverages the platform to create awareness about its schemes and facilitate credit linkages through National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), a PSU under the Ministry. The Ministry has so far organized 5 Lok Samvardhan Parvs wherein artisans/ craftspersons from across the States/UTs have participated, including the Union Territory of Ladakh. The National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) implements schemes aimed at the socio-economic development of “backward sections” among the notified minority communities by extending concessional loans for self-employment income generation ventures across the country. The schemes of NMDFC are implemented through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) nominated by respective State Govt./ UT Administration. In 2024-2025, the UT Government of Ladakh has nominated SINDHU Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) as the SCA to implement NMDFC Schemes in Ladakh. For the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, NMDFC has allocated ₹10 crore each year, for implementing its schemes in Ladakh. Against these allocations, ₹1 crore was drawn in FY 2024–25, while ₹4.19 crore has been drawn during current financial year. Further, any request for enhancement will be considered, in accordance with scheme guidelines of NMDFC and availability of funds. Under the Marketing Scheme of NMDFC, grant is given to respective SCAs for organizing exhibitions. These exhibitions showcase handcrafted products made by artisans, facilitate buyer- seller interactions, and help artisans to access better marketing and sales opportunities. Each year at least one marketing exhibition is allocated to each State Channelizing Agency. In order to generate publicity of NMDFC schemes, SCAs are encouraged to organize awareness camps in minority concentrated areas. 10 such awareness camps are allocated to each SCA, during a financial year. SIDCO has planned to organize Awareness camps & exhibition, during summer season. *****