Skill & Women Entrepreneurship Project Launched at IIIT Kottayam by MoS George Kurian

Current Context: On July 17, 2025, Union MoS for Minority Affairs George Kurian launched a Skill Training & Women Entrepreneurship Development Project at IIIT Kottayam under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.

• Location: Tapovan Hall, IIIT Kottayam, Kerala
• Aim: Empower minority communities through future-ready skills and entrepreneurship

Training Plan:

• 150 youth in Internet of Things (IoT)
• 300 women in leadership & entrepreneurship development
• Support: Monthly stipend, mentoring, and job/self-employment linkages
• MoU Signed: Between Ministry of Minority Affairs and IIIT Kottayam
• Key attendees: Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar (Secretary, Minority Affairs), Prof. Prasad Krishna (Director, IIIT Kottayam)

IIIT Kottayam is the first higher education institution to implement PM VIKAS, making this a landmark initiative for inclusive tech-driven growth.

Question:

Q.1 Under which central government scheme was the project at IIIT Kottayam launched?
a) PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana
b) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
c) Stand-Up India
d) Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

Answer: d) The project is part of PM VIKAS, which aims to preserve heritage and promote economic development of minority communities.