Content:
- PM-VIKAS SCHEME
- SASCI Scheme
PM-VIKAS SCHEME
Introduction :
- Full Name: Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS).
- Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Objective: Socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority communities through skill development, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership initiatives.
Relevance : GS 2(Schemes)
- Convergence of Schemes: Merges five pre-existing schemes:
- Seekho Aur Kamao – Skill development program.
- Nai Manzil – Educational support for school dropouts.
- Nai Roshni – Leadership training for minority women.
- Hamari Dharohar – Preservation of cultural heritage.
- USTTAD – Skill development & market linkage for traditional artisans.
Focus Areas
- Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
- Enhancing employability through vocational training.
- Support for artisans and craftsmen, especially in traditional sectors.
- Leadership Development for Minority Women
- Training and mentorship programs to promote empowerment.
- Educational Assistance
- Bridge courses and financial aid for school dropouts to continue education.
- Credit Linkages & Financial Support
- Facilitation of loans through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
- Market Linkages
- Beneficiaries will be connected to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) for better livelihood opportunities.
Implementation & Challenges
- Status: Yet to be implemented.
- Challenges Expected:
- Effective coordination among different merged schemes.
- Ensuring outreach to all eligible minority beneficiaries.
- Strengthening financial literacy to maximize credit linkage benefits.
- Efficient tracking and monitoring of training outcomes.
Socio-Economic Impact
- For Beneficiaries:
- Skill enhancement leading to higher employability.
- Economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.
- Empowerment of minority women as community leaders.
- For Economy:
- Strengthening of traditional handicrafts and artisanal sectors.
- Increased participation of minority communities in the workforce.
- Contribution to the MSME and export sector via improved market linkages.
Conclusion
- PM VIKAS is a holistic and integrated scheme aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of minorities.
- By converging multiple schemes, it streamlines resources, avoids duplication, and enhances efficiency.
- Effective implementation and strong monitoring mechanisms will be key to achieving its objectives.
SASCI Scheme
Context : Government of India sanctioned 40 projects in 23 States for ₹3295.76 Crore in Financial Year 2024-25 under ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
Relevance : GS 2(Schemes), GS 3(Tourism )
Objective:
- Comprehensive development of iconic tourist centers in India.
- Enhancement of branding and marketing of these centers at a global scale.
Key Features:
- End-to-End Tourist Experience: Ensuring the entire tourist journey is well-managed, from arrival to departure, with a focus on seamless services and experiences.
- Responsible Tourism Practices: Adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices, promoting environmental conservation and local community engagement.
- Challenge Mode Funding: Projects are supported through a competitive process, encouraging innovation and the best proposals.
- Tourist Value Chain Strengthening: Focus on improving all aspects of the tourist journey, including infrastructure, services, and attractions.
- Expertise in Design and Development: Bringing in specialized skills to design and develop high-quality tourism infrastructure and experiences.
- Sustainability: Emphasis on the long-term operations and maintenance of tourism projects to ensure they remain viable and environmentally friendly.
Sanctioned Projects (FY 2024-25):
- A total of 40 projects across 23 states were sanctioned, with a total funding of ₹3295.76 crore.
Projects in Chhattisgarh:
- Development of Chitrotpala Film City:
- Cost: ₹95.79 crore
- Focuses on creating a film city that will boost tourism through film-related attractions, events, and entertainment infrastructure.
- Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre:
- Cost: ₹51.87 crore
- Aims to promote the tribal culture and heritage of Chhattisgarh through a dedicated space for cultural events, festivals, and conventions.
Broader Implications:
- This scheme is part of the government’s broader vision to elevate India’s tourism sector and make it a major player on the global tourism map.
- It also aims to generate economic growth in local areas through enhanced infrastructure and tourism-related employment.
- The initiative is aligned with sustainable development goals by integrating responsible tourism practices, which would help preserve India’s cultural and natural heritage.
Strategic Focus:
- The SASCI scheme places significant emphasis on the tourism ecosystem, meaning it is not just about improving one landmark but enhancing the entire value chain of tourism.
- This could provide long-term benefits by fostering more holistic, well-rounded tourism destinations that can attract global tourists and foster sustainable development in these areas.
