As one of the most socially important event, December 18th is celebrated as Minority Rights Day. The day is observed to safeguard the constitutional guaranteed rights to the minorities in the nation. It is a brain child of United Nation and the organization has chosen the theme of this year’s Minority Right Day as Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion. Fun fact! India has been ranked as the most inclusive country for religious minorities as per the Centre for Policy Analysis Report. To learn what India is doing right in this matter, we have figured out the following welfare schemes for minorities by Indian Government:
First, Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: The scheme is sponsored by the central government and implemented through State Government and UT administrations. Scholarship is being awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% marks in the previous final examination and if the annual income of guardians does not exceed Rs. 1 lakh for pre-matric and Rs 2 Lakh for post-matric students.
Second, Loan Scheme by National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation: The scheme provides concessional credit to student pursuing technical and professional course within a maximum duration of 5 years. Educational loans of up to ₹20.00 lakh are available for 5-year courses in India and ₹30.00 lakh for 5-year courses abroad. The NMDFC also provides loans for economic ventures and entrepreneurships.
Third, Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan: This scheme aims to preserve and promote rich cultural heritage of minority communities. It supports traditional crafts, art forms, and cultural practices to empower artisans and craftsmen.
Fourth, Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram: This infrastructure development scheme aims at creating better livelihood spaces in minority-concentrated areas. The scheme provides improved amenities in healthcare facilities, education centers and skill development opportunities.
Along with these schemes, there are special schemes like Jiyo Parsi that aims to reverse the population decline in Parsi families and Qaumi Waqf and Shahari Waqf Schemes which focus on development of waqf properties that are property given for religious and charitable purposes.