Kiren Rijiju Inaugurates 'Lok Samvardhan Parv' to Showcase Minority Affairs' Schemes

The Lok Samvardhan Parv was inaugurated today (18th July 2024) by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs.

As part of its 100 days’ programme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is organizing the “Lok Samvardhan Parv” to showcase the schemes, programs, and achievements of the Ministry, highlighting activities undertaken in collaboration with partner organizations and success stories under its various schemes.

The Lok Samvardhan Parv was inaugurated today (18th July 2024) by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. The Minister released a Coffee table book detailing the schemes and achievements of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Additionally, a Credit Plan by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) was unveiled, aiming to extend over Rs.1000 crores in credit to more than 2.5 lakh beneficiaries during 2024-25.

During the inaugural event, MOUs between NMDFC and Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, and Punjab Gramin Bank were signed for implementing various NMDFC schemes through these banks. Further, MOUs were signed with the States Skill Development Missions of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra, partnering with NMDFC’s channelizing agencies: 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’ features a poster exhibition showcasing the schemes, programs, and achievements of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Unique schemes and success stories from NMDFC’s State Channelizing partners are also displayed.

Prominent knowledge partners of the Ministry, such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Design (NID), are participating, showcasing artisans supported by them under various Ministry schemes. Daily workshops on export marketing are organized in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) YuWaah is highlighting the work of artisans through young people and partner organizations, showcasing platforms like Youth Hub and Passport 2 Earning that enable socio-economic opportunities for young people.

Marketing organizations such as Government E Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have been invited to extend marketing linkages for artisans. Knowledge partners of NMDFC, like Ambedkar University, Delhi, are also participating in the event.

The Ministry is organizing cultural evenings showcasing the rich cultural heritage of minority communities, featuring performances like 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, created by 162 artisans from different minority communities. These participants include artisans promoted under various Ministry schemes through NIFT, NID, and other Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). Artisans have also been nominated by respective State Channelizing Agencies of NMDFC.

Lok Samvardhan Parv stands as a testimony to the inclusive development program of the Ministry, which has benefitted numerous individuals from all minority communities through collaboration with partner organizations. The Ministry is dedicated to fulfilling the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”.