Context: Recently, the Minister of Minority Affairs in the Lok Sabha informed that the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) has now been named as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme. 

• The integrated scheme converges five erstwhile schemes of the Ministry viz. Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil. 

• The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet for the period of 15th Finance Commission.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme for Promotion of Heritage.

About PM-VIKAS

• It is a scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The scheme focuses on the socio-economic-educational empowerment of minorities. Under this, special attention will be given to artisan communities, women and youth.

• PM VIKAS aims to improve livelihoods of the minorities, particularly the artisan communities, using the components of skill development, education, women leadership & entrepreneurship. 

• These components compliment each other in the ultimate objective of the scheme to increase the incomes of the beneficiaries and provide support by facilitating credit and market linkages.

• At least 33% of the total targets of the scheme have been set for women. One of the components of the scheme is aimed at providing entrepreneurship and leadership support especially to women.

• Under this, aspiring women entrepreneurs will be provided intensive training for entrepreneurship development.

• 10% of these women trained as entrepreneurs will also be selected as business mentors based on their leadership qualities.

Other programs related to skill development and employment for minorities

• Nai Manzil: Under this, formal education (class VIII or X) and skills are provided. Its objective is to enable the beneficiaries to get better employment and livelihood.

• Nai Roshni Yojana: Its objective is to empower minority women and instill confidence in them. Under this, knowledge, tools and techniques are provided for the development of leadership among women.

• USTTAD (Upgrading the skill and Training In Traditional Arts/ Crafts for Development: USTTAD) scheme has also been started for development of skills in traditional arts/crafts.

• Garib Nawaz Self-Employment Scheme: Under this, provision has been made for short-term employment oriented skill development courses for the youth of minority groups. This will enable them for skill based employment.

• Backup to Brilliance policy has been adopted.

• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram has been expanded across the country.

• Hunar Haat is organized.

• “Learn and Earn” scheme has been started.