Government and ICAR-CMFRI to Ink Agreement in Kerala, Offering Training to 690 Minority Candidates under PM VIKAS Program
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is set to launch a new training project under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. The initiative, aimed at enhancing self-employment opportunities and boosting incomes among fisherfolk, will train 690 candidates from minority communities in Kerala.
The signing ceremony for this project will take place on August 27, 2025, at the Animation Centre in Kovalam, and will be chaired by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, George Kurian.
Of the 690 candidates, 270 will undergo training in non-traditional fisheries-based skills. This includes 90 individuals who will be trained in fish hatchery production and 180 in cage culture fish farming. The training will be provided by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the implementing agency for this project.
In addition to technical training, CMFRI will also offer mentoring support to help participants transition into self-employment. This handholding support is expected to play a crucial role in the success of the project.
The project also includes a leadership and entrepreneurship program for 420 women. This program aims to equip them with the skills necessary to establish and manage their own enterprises.
The PM VIKAS scheme, which this project falls under, prioritizes the empowerment of youth and women by equipping them with market-relevant skills and fostering entrepreneurial growth. The six non-notified minorities affected by the PM VIKAS program are the Banjara, Nat, Sansi, Dhanak, Gadia Lohar, and Bawaria communities.
All participants in the training will receive stipends during the training period to help alleviate financial burdens and ensure their full participation. This financial support is an important aspect of the project's success.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of the participants, providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed in self-employment and boost their incomes. This initiative is a step towards achieving the goals of the PM VIKAS scheme and empowering India's minority communities.
