In News

• The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) has now been named as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme.

About PM VIKAS

• 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.
• 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.

Objectives
To build capacity of minority and artisan communities through targeted interventions by providing skill training support in need-based courses and ensuring employment/livelihood opportunities for them.
• To preserve and promote the cultural heritage of traditional art and craft forms including propagation of literature/ documents/ manuscripts.
• To provide formal education and certification up to 8th, 10th, and 12th through open schooling to school dropouts of families of minority and artisan communities.
• To empower women from families of minority and artisan communities and instill confidence amongst them by providing leadership, and entrepreneurship support.
• To improve employability of and generate better livelihood opportunities for minorities and artisan communities through market and credit linkages and bring them to mainstream.

Source- PIB