Directorate of Minority Affairs holds awareness programme in Zunheboto highlighting scholarships, micro-credit, and infrastructure schemes.
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DIMAPUR — An awareness and sensitisation programme on various departmental schemes was organised by the Directorate of Minority Affairs at the Multipurpose Hall, Zunheboto, on Monday.
Delivering the keynote address, Andrew C Imti, Joint Director of Minority Affairs, stated that the objective of the programme was to spread awareness about departmental schemes and linguistic minorities, according to a DIPR report.
He informed that only six religions are covered under the notified minority religions in Nagaland, adding that Christians are not considered a minority in the state as they form the majority.
He further stated that although the Ministry of Minority Affairs has existed for a long time, its schemes were earlier implemented through various departments.
With the creation of the Directorate of Minority Affairs by the Government of Nagaland, all minority-related schemes have now been brought under one department. He also mentioned that studies have been conducted over the past two years to strengthen implementation.
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Imti informed that minority certificates are issued only through the Deputy Commissioner’s office. He highlighted key focus areas such as educational empowerment through scholarships, PM VIKAS initiatives including craftsmanship training and exposure trips, micro-credit loan schemes, and PMJVK infrastructure development projects such as the construction of hostels, playgrounds and other community facilities. He added that the department fills gaps where line departments are unable to intervene.
Khriezotulie, Programme Assistant, elaborated on micro-credit schemes under the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). He stated that NMDFC was incorporated on September 30, 1994, with the objective of promoting economic and developmental activities for backward sections among notified minority communities such as Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis, Sikhs and Jains.
The schemes are implemented through state channelising agencies and NGOs, covering both lending and promotional schemes. In Nagaland, the functional scheme is micro-financing, aimed at promoting artisans and extending credit to minority women in remote and urban slums, with loan amounts ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 1.5 lakh. Awareness campaigns are conducted in targeted areas where loan application forms are distributed and beneficiaries are selected.
He informed that beneficiaries must form self-help groups (SHGs) with at least 75 per cent minority members. Loan repayment begins after three months with an interest rate of seven per cent. Challenges highlighted included delay in loan repayment and cases of death of beneficiaries.
Lily Tungoe, LDA, spoke on Minority Scholarship Schemes under the Educational Empowerment Programme. She highlighted pre-matric, post-matric and merit-based scholarships, all of which are 100 per cent centrally sponsored under the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Viloto Zhimomi, junior section officer, presented on PM VIKAS schemes, which aim at upliftment of minority heritage and skills. The schemes include Seekho Aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil. He stated that these five components together constitute PM VIKAS. The schemes target minorities as defined under the Minority Act, 1992, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis, Sikhs and Jains, and are fully funded by the Centre.
Shalo Khing, Project Officer, presented on Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram. The scheme focuses on construction and infrastructure development for community welfare. He informed that the scheme was initiated in 2008–09 and later restructured in 2017–18.
PowerPoint presentations on various schemes implemented by the department were also presented during the programme.