Minority Affairs Ministry launches ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ to showcase its schemes

NEW DELHI, Jul 18: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ which is aimed at showcasing the schemes, programmes and achievements of the ministry.

Rijiju also released a credit plan of National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for extending credit of over Rs 1,000 crore to over 2.5 lakh beneficiaries during 2024-25, a statement issued by the ministry said.

He also released a coffee table book on schemes and achievements of the ministry.

“As part of its 100 days’ programme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is organising the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ to showcase the schemes, programmes and achievements of the ministry and also highlighting the activities undertaken in convergence with partner organisations and success stories under its various schemes,” the statement said.

During the inaugural event, MoUs between NMDFC and Indian Bank, Union Bank of India and Punjab Gramin Bank were signed for implementation of various schemes of NMDFC.

Further, MoUs between State Skill Development Missions of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra were signed with the channelising agencies of NMDFC namely Rajasthan Minorities Finance & Development Cooperative Corporation (RMFDCC), Himachal Pradesh Minorities Finance & Development Corporation (HPMFDC) and Maulana Azad Alpsankhayank Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAAAVM), Mumbai.

The Parv is showcasing schemes and programmes of the ministry through a poster exhibition, the statement said.

Besides, unique schemes and success stories of state channelizing partners of NMDFC are also exhibited in the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’.

Prominent knowledge partners of the Ministry of Minority Affairs viz. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and National Institute of Design (NID) are participating and showcasing the artisans supported by them under various schemes of the ministry.

The ministry is organizing daily workshops on various aspects of export marketing through Export Promotion Council of Handicraft (EPCH). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) YuWaah is showcasing the work of artisans through young people and their partner organizations.

Marketing organizations namely Government E Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have also been invited to extend marketing linkages for the artisans. In addition, the knowledge partners of NMDFC viz. Ambedkar University, Delhi is participating in the Parv.

The ministry is also organising cultural evenings showcasing the rich cultural heritage of all minority communities such as Singhi Chamm (Lion Dance), Manipuri Dance, Bhangra, Langa & Manganiar, Mando, Siddhi Goma, Karagattam, Phaag Dance, and folk dance of Kerala, the statement said.

In order to attract youth and children, the ministry is conducting demonstrations of various crafts.

The ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ is celebrating and showcasing over 70 exquisite handicraft and handloom products from various states made by 162 artisans belonging to various minority communities.

These participants include artisans promoted under various schemes of the ministry through NIFT, NID and other project implementing agencies.

Further the artisans have also been nominated by respective state channelising agencies of NMDFC.

The Parv is testimony of the inclusive development programme of the ministry which has benefitted a large number of persons from all the minority communities, through convergence with partner organization, the statement said.

The ministry is striving to fulfil the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwash Sabka Prayas’, it said. (PTI)