CURRENT CONTEXT: Under the (PM VIKAS) scheme’s, first higher‑education rollout, a landmark MoU was signed at IIIT Kottayam in Kerala.

• Project will skill 450 minority candidates — including 150 youth in Internet of Things and 300 women in leadership & entrepreneurship.

ABOUT PM VIKAS

• Full form: Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan.
• Type: Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Purpose: To empower six notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians) through skill development, entrepreneurship training, leadership and heritage education.
• Converged Schemes: Integrates earlier schemes—Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roshni, USTTAD and Hamari Dharohar .