Minority Affairs Ministry Concludes National Chintan Shivir at Nalanda University

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian highlighted PMJVK as a transformative scheme supporting infrastructure development in minority concentration areas.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has concluded a two-day National ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, bringing together Union and State Ministers, senior officials and domain experts to shape a forward-looking roadmap for minority welfare and socio-economic empowerment.

The national deliberative forum focused on strengthening policy coordination, improving grassroots delivery of schemes and advancing the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through inclusive development.

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Showcasing Key Minority Welfare Achievements

During the Shivir, the Ministry highlighted major progress under flagship initiatives including:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

• Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PMVIKAS)

• National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)

• UMEED Central Portal

• Haj modernization and digital reforms

These schemes were presented as central pillars in bridging infrastructure gaps, enhancing livelihoods and ensuring socio-economic empowerment of minority communities.

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Kiren Rijiju Launches NIGRANI App, Haj Wrist Band and AI Chatbots

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated several digital innovations during the event, including:

• NIGRANI App under PMJVK, aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and improving transparency

• Haj Wrist Band, enhancing safety and service delivery for pilgrims

• AI Chatbots for citizen support and faster access to Ministry services

The Minister commended the Ministry team for hosting the Chintan Shivir at Nalanda University, calling Nalanda a symbol of India’s civilizational heritage and a historic centre of excellence.

He emphasized that the deliberations would strengthen Centre–State coordination and improve implementation at the grassroots level.

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George Kurian: PMJVK Instrumental to Viksit Bharat Vision

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian highlighted PMJVK as a transformative scheme supporting infrastructure development in minority concentration areas.

He noted that PMVIKAS, NMDFC, UMEED and Haj initiatives are contributing significantly toward minority welfare and development across the country.

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Ministry Secretary Emphasizes Jan Bhagidari and Accountability

Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs Shri Chandra Shekhar Kumar expressed gratitude to participants and acknowledged the support of the Bihar Government and Nalanda University officials.

He underlined that the goal of the Chintan Shivir is to promote citizen participation for Viksit Bharat through:

• Sabka Saath

• Sabka Vikas

• Sabka Vishwas

• Sabka Prayaas

He stressed that the Prime Minister’s vision of Reform, Perform, Transform and Inform can be achieved through public-private-community partnership, Jan Bhagidari, transparency and accountability.

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Strong Participation from Northeastern States

Several State Ministers and representatives shared regional perspectives on minority welfare, including:

• Shri Imkong Mar (Nagaland)

• Shri Kento Jini (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Shri Samdup Lepcha (Sikkim)

• Shri Sukla Charan Noatia (Tripura)

They appreciated PMJVK and PMVIKAS for addressing infrastructure and skilling gaps, particularly in culturally diverse and tribal minority communities.

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Five Thematic Focus Areas for Policy Improvement

The Chintan Shivir featured focused group discussions across five key themes:

1. Infrastructure Development (PMJVK)

2. Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + NMDFC)

3. Waqf Management

4. Haj Management

5. Scholarship Schemes

The discussions were interactive and solution-oriented, emphasizing peer learning, collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building.

The consolidated insights will be incorporated into future policy and programme improvements of the Ministry.

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Building an Inclusive Roadmap for Minority Empowerment

The two-day Chintan Shivir marks an important step toward strengthening minority welfare frameworks through innovation, stakeholder engagement and coordinated governance.

By aligning flagship schemes with the long-term national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Ministry aims to ensure that minority communities are empowered as equal partners in India’s inclusive growth journey.