The Ministry of Minority Affairs provided clarification regarding the PM VIKAS Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme designed to facilitate opportunities for minority communities in education, skilling, and employment to ensure their inclusive development. The Ministry confirmed that projects are allocated to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) irrespective of states, and therefore details of state-wise allocation are not maintained.
No proposal has been made to enhance a separate allocation under the PM VIKAS Scheme specifically for Punjab. Eligibility for the scheme extends to any candidate of Indian nationality belonging to minority communities notified under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, which includes Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Parsis, and Sikhs.
Additionally, in states and union territories where other minority communities are notified by respective state/UT governments, such communities may also be considered eligible for the scheme. However, these state-notified minorities should not occupy more than 5% of the total seats available in the PM VIKAS scheme. This information was provided by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.