The Ministry of Minority Affairs implemented ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’ scheme (SAK) for the benefit of six (6) notified minority communities, that targeted to upgrade the skills of minority youth (14-45 years) in various modern/ traditional skills depending upon their qualification, prevailing economic trends, and market potential, that could earn them
suitable employment or make them suitably skilled to take up self-employment. 33% of total allocation was also earmarked for female beneficiaries. The scheme was implemented by the Ministry through empanelled Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs).
Since inception, about 4.68 lakh beneficiaries have been trained under the scheme, out of which about 2.28 lakh beneficiarieshave been reported as placed under various sectors as per the data available on the SAK portal. Reporting of placement data in the scheme is an ongoing activity and is updated by the PIAs from time to time.Before releasing the final installment of funds to the PIAs, it is ensured that the PIAs have achieved the mandated placement as per the scheme guidelines. SAK scheme has now been converged as a component of an integrated scheme called ‘Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan’ (PM
VIKAS) for minority communities focusing on skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women; and education support for school dropouts.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

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