Ministry of Minority Affairs: Govt to Launch Skill Training and Women Entrepreneurship Project in Kerala under PM VIKAS Scheme

Ministry of Minority Affairs: Govt to Launch Skill Training and Women Entrepreneurship Project in Kerala under PM VIKAS Scheme

NEW DELHI: Ministry of Minority Affairs will sign an MoU with the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) tomorrow to launch a Skill Training and Women Entrepreneurship Development Project under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.

The event will be chaired by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri George Kurian at the Animation Centre, Kovalam, Kerala.

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As part of the PM VIKAS scheme, the project aims to empower 690 candidates from minority communities in Kerala by providing them with specialised training and entrepreneurial support. Out of this, 270 participants will learn non-traditional fisheries skills — including 90 in Fish Hatchery Production and 180 in Basics of Cage Culture Fish Farming.

Additionally, leadership and entrepreneurship development training will be given to 420 women to help them establish and manage their own enterprises. All candidates will also receive stipends during their training periods.

ICAR-CMFRI, with its expertise in marine fisheries research and innovation, will act as the implementing agency. The institute will provide both training and mentorship to ensure long-term impact.

This initiative is part of the PM VIKAS scheme, which brings together earlier skilling and education programmes of the Ministry into one framework module. The scheme aims to empower minority communities through education, skill development, and enterprise promotion, thereby improving socio-economic conditions and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the country.