New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Saturday said the government has put in place a wholesome system to support Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections right from an early age, enabling them to progress through sustained handholding and targeted interventions.

Speaking at the launch of the Jammu and Kashmir chapter of the Dr. Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce at University of Jammu, Singh stressed the need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among marginalized communities.

He urged them to move beyond a traditional dependence on government jobs and instead explore opportunities in enterprise and investment, leveraging schemes introduced by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The Government has created a wholesome system for weaker sections, including SCs and STs for handholding and supporting them right from the early age,” he said.

“The members of marginalised sections should move beyond reliance solely on government employment and actively explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and enterprise development,” he stated.

The minister highlighted that several flagship initiatives have been rolled out with a clear focus on socio-economic upliftment.

He cited the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana as a major financial inclusion drive and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana as a transformative effort to improve access to credit.

He also referred to the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which aims to preserve traditional skills while creating sustainable livelihoods.

“The statistical evidence reflects the positive impact of these schemes on the socio-economic advancement of Dalits and other marginalised groups,” Dr. Singh explained.

According to Dr. Singh, these initiatives have begun to show measurable results, with increased aspirations visible among members of marginalised communities.

“Individuals from humble backgrounds are now performing well in competitive examinations, including civil services, reflecting broader social empowerment,” he said.

“The need to expand outreach so that more people can benefit from such opportunities,” he stated.

–IANS

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