(a) whether the Government has formulated new action plan for the all round development of minority communities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the total funds allocated for the welfare and educational upliftment of minority communities in the country during the last three years State-wise
MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)
(a) to (c): Government has implemented various schemes for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities namely, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains. These schemes/programmes in brief are as under. The schemes have no state-wise allocation of funds and is based on need based demands and physical allocations. (1) Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme - For educational empowerment of students.
(2) Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme - Provide fellowships in the form of financial assistance.
(3) Naya Savera - Free Coaching and Allied Scheme - To enhance skill and knowledge of students and candidates for employment through
competitive examinations and admission in technical and professional courses.
(4) Padho Pardesh - Scheme of interest subsidy on educational loans for overseas higher studies.
(5) Nai Udaan - Support for students clearing Prelims conducted by UPSC, SSC, State Public Service Commission (PSC) etc.
(6) Nai Roshni - Leadership development of minority women.
(7) Seekho Aur Kamao - Skill development scheme for youth from 14 - 35 years of age and aims to improve employability of existing workers, school dropouts etc.
(8) USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development)
(9) Nai Manzil - A scheme for formal school education & skilling of school dropouts.
(10) Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) earlier known as MsDP - Implemented in identified Minority Concentration Areas for creation of assets in education, skill and health sectors.
(11) Jiyo Parsi - Scheme for containing population decline of Parsis in India.
(12) Hamari Dharohar - A scheme to preserve rich heritage of minority communities of india under the overall concept of Indian culture.
(13) Grants-in-Aid to Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) for implementation of education and skill related schemes:-
(a) Grants-in-Aid to NGOs/Trust/Society (b) Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Meritorious Girls belonging to the Minorities (c) Gharib Nawaz Skill Development Training for providing shortterm job oriented skill development courses to youth belonging to minority communities.
(14) Equity to National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for providing concessional loans to minorities for self-employment and income generating ventures.
The funds allocated for implementation of various schemes of this Ministry during the last three years is Annexed.
Details including funds released under the various schemes of the Ministry are available on the website www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.
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