Under the "Virasat Yojana", loan upto Rs. 10 lac is made available to male artisans of notified minority community at ______ interest rate.

The correct answer is 5%.

Key Points

• The "Virasat Yojana" is a financial assistance scheme for male artisans belonging to notified minority communities in India.
• Under this scheme, loans of up to Rs. 10 lakh are provided at a subsidized interest rate of 0.05 (5%) per annum.
• The scheme aims to promote self-employment and preserve traditional craftsmanship among minority artisans.
• Eligibility criteria include being part of a notified minority community, such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, or Jains.
• The scheme is implemented through public sector and cooperative banks, ensuring broader outreach.

Additional Information

• Notified Minority Communities:
  • As per the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the notified minority communities in India include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains.
  • These communities are provided with special schemes and programs to promote social and economic inclusion.
• Artisan Sector in India:
  • India has a rich heritage of traditional artisans engaged in crafts such as weaving, pottery, metalwork, and more.
  • The artisan sector contributes significantly to rural employment and exports.
• Subsidized Loan Schemes:
  • Subsidized loan schemes aim to make credit accessible to economically weaker sections at lower interest rates.
  • Such initiatives are crucial for boosting entrepreneurship and self-reliance among marginalized groups.
• Other Relevant Schemes for Minority Communities:
  • Seekho aur Kamao: A skill development program for minority youth.
  • Nai Manzil: An integrated education and livelihood initiative for minority communities.
  • USTTAD Scheme: Aimed at preserving traditional crafts and training artisans from minority groups.