Pradhan Mantri Virasat ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)
By Ministry of Minority Affairs
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Quick Answer
A Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Minority Affairs focusing on socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities through skilling, women leadership, entrepreneurship, and education.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Minority Affairs
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, converging five erstwhile schemes ('Seekho Aur Kamao', 'Nai Manzil', 'Nai Roshni', 'USTTAD', & 'Hamari Dharohar'). It aims for holistic development of notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis) through various components. The scheme focuses on targeted skill training in both traditional crafts and modern sectors, formal education via the National Institute of Open Schooling for school dropouts, and improved livelihood opportunities. A significant emphasis is placed on empowering women from minority communities through leadership and entrepreneurship support, facilitating them to start enterprises. Additionally, it provides market and credit linkages to enhance employability and foster enterprise growth. The initiative also promotes the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional arts and crafts, ensuring inclusive development by converging with other government schemes.
Eligibility
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Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The PM VIKAS scheme provides comprehensive benefits aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities. Beneficiaries receive skill development in both traditional crafts and modern sectors, significantly enhancing their employability. Women from minority communities are particularly empowered through specialized leadership and entrepreneurship training, which includes crucial support to help them establish their own enterprises. The program also offers education support for school dropouts, enabling them to complete 8th, 10th, and 12th standards through open schooling. For artisans and entrepreneurs, the scheme facilitates access to credit, essential market linkages, and integration with e-commerce platforms, thereby boosting their reach and profitability. A key aspect is the stipend support provided to trainees, ensuring financial assistance during their learning period. The initiative further contributes to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts, crafts, and cultural heritage, ensuring inclusive development through convergence with other government schemes.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the training partner/training centre after applicants show interest in a batch. Final enrolment is confirmed upon approval and acceptance of the invitation. Candidates with aptitude and leadership qualities will be specifically selected for the Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship component.
Application Process
- 1
Register/Login
Visit the SIDH Portal, register or log in, and complete e-KYC.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the PM VIKAS scheme?
The primary objective of PM VIKAS is the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis) through integrated skilling, education, women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage preservation.
Which communities are eligible for benefits under PM VIKAS?
Indian nationals belonging to Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis are eligible. Additionally, up to 25% non-minority (EWS) candidates can be included in Traditional Skilling, and 15% in other components.
What are the age criteria for applicants?
Applicants should be 14-45 years old for skilling and education components, and 18-45 years old for the Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship component.
Is there a special focus on women and persons with disabilities?
Yes, the scheme has a strong focus on women, with minimum quotas of 33% in skilling, 50% in education, and 100% in women leadership and entrepreneurship components. There is also a 3% reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
How does one apply for the PM VIKAS scheme?
Applications are submitted online via the SIDH Portal (skillindiadigital.gov.in). Applicants need to register/login, complete e-KYC, set up their profile, explore schemes and courses, and then show interest/apply for a batch.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
News
- IIT Dharwad Invites Applications for 1-Year Artificial Intelligence Course Under PM VIKAS Scheme With ₹1,000 Monthly Stipendjagranjosh.com · 2 months ago
Source: Google News aggregated
