Content:

1. PM-VIKAS SCHEME
2. 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:

1. Development of Chitrotpala Film City:
   1. Cost: ₹95.79 crore
   1. 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.