The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) has disbursed over Rs 9,228 crore to more than 24.84 lakh beneficiaries since its inception. Notably, 85% of the beneficiaries are women, the government announced on Saturday.
Under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, NMDFC works to uplift backward sections of minority communities. In FY 2023-24 alone, the corporation released Rs 765.45 crore, benefiting 1.84 lakh individuals.
To streamline operations, NMDFC launched the MILAN (Minority Loan Accounting Software for NMDFC) app. This tool digitizes loan processes and integrates with NMDFC’s MIS portal, which now tracks data for 14.57 lakh beneficiaries. The app is available on both Android and iOS.
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Additionally, the Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, and Punjab Gramin Bank have signed MoUs to implement NMDFC schemes on a refinance basis.
As part of its 100-day action plan, the Ministry organized ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ in July, which featured over 70 handicraft and handloom products made by 162 minority artisans.
The Ministry also launched the ‘Haj Suvidha App’ this year to improve the pilgrimage experience. The app helped resolve over 9,000 grievances and 2,000 SOS cases, with a record 4,557 female pilgrims this year.
Other initiatives include the ‘Jiyo Parsi’ scheme to address the population decline of the Parsi community and a new portal for Parsi couples seeking financial assistance for medical needs.
In legislative news, the Ministry introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, which is now under review by a Joint Committee of Parliament.