Parliament Question: Schemes for Economic Empowerment and Skill Development of Minorities

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4264 ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026 SCHEMES FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF MINORITIES 4264. SHRI RAJU BISTA: Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the details of schemes and programmes implemented by the Government for the economic empowerment and skill development of the Minorities; (b) the details of funds sanctioned and released particularly to the State of West Bengal for implementation of the schemes 'Seekho aur Kamao' (Learn & Earn), Upgrading Skill and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD), ‘Nai Manzil’ scheme and 'Nai Roshni'- Scheme for Leadership Development of minority women, State and district- wise; and (c) the details of beneficiaries under the said schemes/programmes particularly in districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and North Dinajpur along with the details of funds spent thereunder? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU) (a) : Ministry of Minority Affairs implements Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme focussing on socio-economic empowerment of minorities. The scheme comprises the following components: i. Skilling and Training Component (including traditional and non-traditional skills). ii. Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component. iii. Education Component for school dropouts through open schooling. iv. Infrastructure Development Component through convergence with other schemes such as PMJVK. (b) & (c) The schemes ‘Seekho aur Kamao’ (Learn & Earn), Upgrading Skill and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD), ‘Nai Manzil’ scheme and ‘Nai Roshni’ Scheme for Leadership Development of minority Women were implemented on a pan India basis. The details of number of beneficiaries in the state of West Bengal is as follows: State Seekho aur Kamao USTTAD Nai Manzil Nai Roshni West Bengal 32,477 1,076 5,730 12350Details of funds sanctioned and released under the schemes on a Pan India basis is as under: Scheme Sanctioned Expenditure(Amount (Amount in in Crores) Crores) Seekho Aur Kamao (2013-14 to 2022-23) 1840.96 1534.95 USTTAD (2014-15 to 2022-23) 293.11 288.68 Nai Manzil(2016-17 to 2022-23) 67.45 191.97 Nai Roshni (2013-14 to 2022-23) 864.05 456.19 Hamari Dharohar (2014-15 to 2022-23) 54.11 30.68 PM VIKAS Committed Liabilities* (2023-24 to 2025-26) 744.42 456.97# * (The allocations were merged in 2023-24) # as on 16.03.2026 *****