The Nai Roshni Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aims to empower and instill confidence among women belonging to minority communities. Launched in 2012-2013, the scheme focuses on providing leadership development training, awareness programs, and skill development opportunities, enabling women to break societal barriers and achieve self-reliance.
Key Objectives of the Nai Roshni Scheme
- Leadership Development: Enhance the decision-making and leadership capacity of women, leading to active participation in local governance and development processes.
- Education and Awareness: Conduct sensitization programs on issues such as health, hygiene, sanitation, women’s rights, and available government schemes.
- Skill Development: Provide vocational and skill-building training leading to improved income-generation opportunities and self-employment.
- Holistic Empowerment: Create a support network for women to gain confidence, address challenges, and promote overall social and economic empowerment.
Target Beneficiaries
The Nai Roshni Scheme focuses on women from the following minority communities:
- Muslims
- Christians
- Sikhs
- Buddhists
- Jains
- Parsis
How the Nai Roshni Scheme Works
- Implementation Through NGOs: The scheme is implemented through selected NGOs experienced in women-centric initiatives and working at the grass-roots level.
- Training Modules: Structured training modules covering leadership, communication, life skills, health and hygiene, legal rights, financial literacy, and vocational skills.
- Community Outreach: NGOs work closely with local communities to identify women participants, conduct training programs, and facilitate linkages to markets or self-employment.
Impact of Nai Roshni
- Increased Participation: The scheme has encouraged more women from minority communities to actively engage in social, political, and economic spheres.
- Skill Enhancement: Women have gained skills in various trades, leading to income-generating activities and improved livelihoods.
- Self-Confidence and Awareness: Nai Roshni has fostered greater self-confidence, awareness of rights, and the ability to address challenges effectively among women participants.
FAQs About Nai Roshni
- How can NGOs participate in the scheme?
- NGOs with relevant experience can apply for projects as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Who can benefit from Nai Roshni training?
- Women between the ages of 18-65 years belonging to minority communities are eligible.
- What is the duration of the training programs?
- Training programs range from week-long modules to longer duration, depending on specific skills.
MCQs
Nai Roshni Scheme is implemented by:
A. Ministry of Skill Development
B. Ministry of Minority Affairs
C. Ministry of External Affairs
D. NITI Aayog
Which of these is NOT a focus area of Nai Roshni?
A. Skill Development
B. Sports Training
C. Leadership Development
D. Awareness of women’s rights
The target beneficiaries of the Nai Roshni Scheme are:
A. Women from minority communities
B. Children in rural areas
C. Senior citizens
D. All of the above