India’s Minorities ‘Luckiest’: Kiren Rijiju Emphasizes Welfare Schemes and Programmes

New Delhi- Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, issued a strong statement on Thursday, saying that India’s minorities are the “luckiest people” because of the nation’s unique welfare schemes and initiatives for their upliftment. At the regional review meeting and training workshop on the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) for the Southern Region, Rijiju touched upon the issue of minority safety and well-being in the nation.

Rijiju shot down the line that minorities in India are discriminated against or encounter safety issues, terming it a “false narrative.” Rijiju said that India provides separate and special schemes just for minority groups alone, and he asserted this to be without peer anywhere else in the world. “There are individuals spreading the word that minorities are not secure in India, which is utterly false,” said Rijiju. “Minorities are the luckiest citizens of India, on the contrary, since there are particular welfare schemes for them and no other nation offers the same.”

The minister appealed to the people to understand the initiatives of the government in offering these welfare schemes, both state and centre. He also thanked God to be Indian citizens and mentioned that one should not ignore the government’s efforts for the well-being of all, including the minority groups.

Rijiju used Kerala as the best example and pointed out that 44% of the state’s population are Muslims and Christians, and Kerala is among India’s most minority-dense regions. He reiterating emphasized that, in view of its population, Kerala automatically gets greater schemes and attention from the central and state governments. “If any scheme or program in Kerala needs additional aid from the central government, certainly we will make timely help,” he assured.

The minister also commended the roll-out of the PMJVK in Kerala, where the loan disbursement percentage and the beneficiary numbers are highest in the country. He referred to Kerala’s success story as proof of the success of the scheme in bringing people in notified minority pockets better living conditions.

PMJVK, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, is designed to develop community infrastructure and basic facilities in minority-dominated pockets. The scheme is executed by state governments or union territories in association with the central government.

In the days to come, Rijiju revealed that the subsequent Lok Samvardhan Parv will be conducted in Kerala during August. This festival, which promotes minority artisans by granting them a selling platform for their wares, will be hosted by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurien. Rijiju further stated his intention to make it if convenient, emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.