Kiren Rijiju Inaugurates “Lok Samvardhan Parv” to Showcase Achievements and Schemes

New Delhi: As part of its 100-day programme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs inaugurated the “Lok Samvardhan Parv” today, a significant event aimed at showcasing the Ministry’s schemes, programmes, and achievements. The event was inaugurated by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, at a ceremony highlighting the Ministry’s ongoing and future initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Rijiju released a Coffee Table Book detailing the schemes and achievements of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The event also saw the unveiling of the Credit Plan of the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC), which aims to extend credit worth over Rs. 1000 crores to more than 2.5 lakh beneficiaries during the fiscal year 2024-25.

Key highlights of the inaugural event included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between NMDFC and major banks such as Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, and Punjab Gramin Bank. These MOUs are designed to facilitate the implementation of various NMDFC schemes through these banking institutions. Additionally, MOUs were signed between the States Skill Development Missions of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra with the respective State Channelising Agencies of NMDFC – 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 comprehensive poster exhibition showcasing the Ministry’s schemes, programmes, and achievements. Unique schemes and success stories from State Channelizing partners of NMDFC are also highlighted. Prominent knowledge partners, including the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Design (NID), are participating, showcasing artisans supported under various Ministry schemes.

The Ministry is also organizing daily workshops on export marketing in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) YuWaah is presenting the work of artisans and highlighting platforms like Youth Hub and Passport 2 Earning, which provide socio-economic opportunities for young people. Additionally, marketing organizations such as Government E Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have been invited to provide marketing linkages for artisans. Ambedkar University, Delhi, a knowledge partner of NMDFC, is also participating in the event.

Cultural evenings during the “Lok Samvardhan Parv” will showcase the rich cultural heritage of various 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 engage youth and children, the Ministry is conducting craft demonstrations to offer a hands-on learning experience.

The event is celebrating and showcasing over 70 exquisite handicraft and handloom products from various states, created by 162 artisans belonging to different minority communities. These artisans have been promoted under various Ministry schemes through NIFT, NID, and other Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), with nominations also from State Channelising Agencies of NMDFC.