Nai Manzil is a Government of India scheme to provide education and skill training for the youths belonging to minority communities in general and Muslims in particular. Under this scheme, eligible youths between age 17 to 35 years will be provided with education and market-driven training. Thus, it will enable minority youths who do not have any formal school certificate to obtain one (class 8 or class 10) and also find better opportunities in labor market.
Scheme Background and launch:
Though India has experienced impressive growth in recent years, it was realized that some groups lagged behind in their access to various opportunities. For example, Muslims. About 18% of India’s population belongs to minority communities, out of which 75% are Muslims. With 13.8% of country’s total population, Muslims comprise the largest minority community in India. But compared to other minority communities, they are far behind in education, income and labor market participation.
To focus on development of the minority communities, the Government of India created a separate Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2006. In the same year, a Prime Minister’s committee chaired by Justice Rajender Sachar published it’s report on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community of India. In June 2006, the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities was launched. It identified specific interventions towards ensuring and “equitable share of minorities in economic activities and employment through existing and new schemes.”
Finally in 2015, to provide education and skill development opportunities for those economically disadvantaged or underserved Minorities, Government of India launched a new initiative or scheme named Nai Manzil. Meaning new horizons, Nai Manzil is a flexible integrated education and training program for youths belonging to minority communities. Under this, formal education (up till Class VIII or X) and skill training will be provided to the school drop outs and those who studied at Madrasas. The Scheme will cover all the Community Development Blocks where minority population is at least 25%. The Scheme will also have linkages with the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), which provides loans to the minority youths.
The Nai Manzil Scheme was first launched in Bihar on August 8, 2015. On January 20, 2016, the scheme was launched in Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Minister of Minority Affairs, launched it in Srinagar. Under the scheme girls from minority communities will be provided with a 3 month skill development training in following sectors – saffron processing, food processing, embroidery, computers (software and hardware), tourism or hospitality, electronics and plumbing. The eligible trainees will also be given a stipend of Rs. 4500. In Jammu and Kashmir, Nai Manzil scheme was launched in three institutions – Skill Development Centre at University of Kashmir, Madarsa Shahi-i-Hamdan in Pampore and Madarsa Imam Sadique in Shadipur, Bandipora.
Key points related to Nai Manzil scheme:
- Theme of the scheme – social inclusion and improving labor markets.
- It will cover 17 to 35 years old youths from minority communities, Muslims in particular.
- It will provide formal education to out of school or dropped outs and those who studied in Madrasas
- The class 8 or class 10 education certificate will be provided through open schooling format.
- Skill training will be provided under courses like Manufacturing and Engineering, Services and Soft skills.
- Formal education certifications will open up avenues for higher education and also increase employment opportunities.
- The market-driven training will help the youths in performing better in the labor market.
- Through education and employment opportunities, the scheme will promote socio-economic empowerment of the minorities.
- Total project cost is about $100 million. World Bank has provided a $50 million loan for the project.
Very good chance for minorities community .