PM’s 15-Point Program for the Welfare of Minorities

It was launched in 2005 for the welfare of minority community. It has 4 major dimensions:

1. Enhancing Opportunities for Education

• Equitable availability of ICDS Services
• Improving access to School Education
• Greater resources for teaching Urdu
• Modernizing Madrasa’s Education
• Scholarships for meritorious students from minority communities
• Improving educational infrastructure through the Maulana Azad Education Foundation.

2. Equitable Share in Economic Activities and Employment

• Self-Employment and Wage Employment for the poor
• Up-gradation of skill through technical training
• Enhanced credit support for economic activities
• Recruitment to State and Central Services

3. Improving the Conditions of Living of Minorities

• Equitable share in rural housing scheme
• Improvement in condition of slums inhabited by minority communities.

4. Prevention & Control of Communal Riots

• Prevention of communal incidents
• Prosecution for communal offences
• Rehabilitation of victims of communal riots.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs implement following schemes on the lines of 15 point program–Scholarships (Pre-matric scholarship, Post-matric scholarship, Merit-cum-Means based scholarship, Maulana Azad National Fellowship, Schemes of Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) for promotion of education, Naya Savera – Free Coaching and Allied Scheme and Financial Assistance (Loan schemes of National Minority Development & Finance Commission (NMDFC)).