In a significant move for minority welfare, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju officially launched the NIGRANI App on Thursday, February 19, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme, aimed at addressing infrastructural deficiencies. The event also featured the introduction of the Haj Wrist Band and innovative AI chatbots.

During the event, Minister Rijiju praised the team from the Ministry of Minority Affairs for successfully organizing a 'Chintan Shivir' at Nalanda University, Bihar, a renowned symbol of India's ancient civilization and a Center of Excellence.

The NIGRANI App is intended to promote transparency, facilitate real-time monitoring, and improve the execution of infrastructure projects in regions with significant minority populations. The goal is to narrow development disparities, enhance coordination between the Centre and states, and further the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Minister Rijiju emphasized that discussions at the 'Chintan Shivir' are crucial for refining Centre-state coordination, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring successful grassroots implementation.

The event gathered Union and state ministers, high-ranking officials, and experts to outline a policy-driven strategy for minority welfare and socio-economic upliftment.

The Ministry showcased its notable achievements through various initiatives, including PMJVK, Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), and modernizations in Haj management and digital empowerment, all aiming to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key topics of discussion included Infrastructure Development (PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PM VIKAS + NMDFC), Waqf Management, and Haj Management along with various scholarship schemes.

Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, stated that the PMJVK scheme plays a pivotal role in realizing Prime Minister Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

He noted the scheme's impact on infrastructure development in minority regions nationwide, highlighting the contributions of PM VIKAS, NMDFC, UMEED Central Portal, and Haj initiatives toward minority welfare and development.

Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of Minority Affairs, expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries present and credited the state government and Nalanda officials for the success of the 'Chintan Shivir'.

The 'Chintan Shivir' aims to foster citizen engagement for a Viksit Bharat through the principles of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishvaas, and Sabka Prayaas”.

He emphasized that the Prime Minister's vision of “Reform, Perform, Transform, and Inform” relies on public-private-community partnerships and 'Jan Bhaagidari' (public participation), which will enhance transparency and accountability.

Imkong Mar, MLA from Nagaland and Advisor for the Sericulture Department and Minority Affairs, discussed advancements and future plans for minority welfare in India, noting that the minority communities of Nagaland embody rich cultural and tribal heritage and commended PMJVK and PM VIKAS for addressing infrastructural and skill development gaps.

Kento Jini, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs in Arunachal Pradesh, recognized the Ministry's schemes for their role in reducing infrastructure and community disparities.

Samdup Lepcha, Sikkim's Minister of Social Welfare, stressed the real-world effects of the Minority Ministry's initiatives, asserting that the 'Chintan Shivir' will positively influence the welfare and development of minority groups.