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

The Lok Samvardhan Parv was inaugurated 18th July, 2024 by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. The Minister released a coffee table book on the schemes and achievements of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Further, a credit plan of the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for extending credit of over Rs. 1000 crores to over 2.5 lakh beneficiaries during 2024-25 was also released by the Minister.

During the inaugural event, MOUs between NMDFC and Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, and Punjab Gramin Bank were signed for the implementation of various schemes of NMDFC through these banks. Further, MOUs between States 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 ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ is showcasing the schemes, programmes, and achievements of the Ministry of Minority Affairs through a poster exhibition. Besides, unique schemes and success stories of State Channelising partners of NMDFC are also exhibited in the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’.

Prominent knowledge partners of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Design (NID), are participating and showcasing the artisans supported by them under various schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Ministry is organising daily workshops on various aspects of export marketing through the 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 organisations. In addition, YuWaah UNICEF is showcasing platforms like Youth Hub and Passport 2 Earning that enable socio-economic and change-making opportunities for young people, with a co-branded photo booth with the Ministry at the event. Marketing organisations, 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, such as Ambedkar University, Delhi, are participating in the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’.

The Ministry is 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. To attract youth and children, the Ministry is conducting demonstrations of various crafts for a learning-by-doing experience.

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 (PIAs). Further, the artisans have also been nominated by respective State Channelising Agencies of NMDFC.

Lok Samvardhan Parv is testimony to the inclusive development programme of the Ministry, which has benefitted a large number of persons from all the minority communities through convergence with partner organisations. The Ministry is striving to fulfil the mantra of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas Sabka Prayas”. /BI