Govt promotes digital Jiyo Parsi Scheme to support community growth in Mumbai

The Ministry reaffirmed its long-term commitment to safeguarding the heritage and identity of the Parsi community through sustained support, policy interventions, and continuous engagement.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Government of India, in partnership with the Maharashtra State Minority Development Department, organised an extensive Advocacy and Outreach Workshop at Mumbai University’s Convocation Hall to raise awareness about the Jiyo Parsi Scheme. The flagship programme aims to support the Parsi community in boosting its declining population through assisted reproductive support, counselling, and family welfare initiatives.

Senior Ministry officials including Shri Alok Verma, DDG, and Shri Ranjeet Kumar, Senior Director (NIC) interacted with beneficiaries and Parsi community leaders, discussing measures taken to make the scheme more inclusive, digitally enabled, and easier to access.

As part of the government’s broader agenda of minority empowerment, the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) extended information on affordable loan facilities for entrepreneurship, small businesses, start-ups, education and skill-development programmes. Officials encouraged participants to leverage these schemes for improving livelihood and economic stability within the community.

Representatives from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), which is conducting an evaluative study on the Jiyo Parsi initiative, presented research findings and demographic trends. The insights highlighted the significant role the scheme has played since its launch in 2013, including improved fertility support access, community awareness, and the gradual stabilization of population decline.

A key focus of the event was the scheme’s digital transformation. The new mobile application now enables beneficiaries to apply online, upload documents, and complete biometric authentication remotely—reducing travel, paperwork, and administrative hurdles. Officials noted that this step strengthens the government’s broader mission of digital governance and last-mile delivery under the Digital India framework.

During a special interactive session, Shri Harsh Ranjan, Senior Consultant (Media, Research & Outreach), MoMA, emphasized the importance of direct beneficiary engagement for real-time feedback, transparency, and improving programme delivery.

The Ministry reaffirmed its long-term commitment to safeguarding the heritage and identity of the Parsi community through sustained support, policy interventions, and continuous engagement. Programmes like Jiyo Parsi, officials noted, are contributing not only to population revitalization but also to the cultural preservation and socio-economic upliftment of one of India’s smallest yet historically significant communities.