The Himachal Pradesh Minority Finance and Development Corporation is playing a significant role in promoting economic empowerment among minority communities, with focused financial assistance and improved outreach across the State. This was highlighted as Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil chaired the 54th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation and reviewed the progress of various welfare-oriented schemes and programmes.
The Minister said that HPMFDC is extending term loans of up to Rs. 30 lakh to members of minority communities and divyangjans to help them establish or expand enterprises in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, traditional occupations, technical trades and small businesses. In addition, education loans of up to Rs. 20 lakh are being provided to support higher studies, while self-help groups are being assisted with loans for the purchase of equipment and other essential requirements, enabling collective entrepreneurship.
Emphasising the importance of awareness, Dr. Shandil said that the Corporation has been organising awareness camps across Himachal Pradesh to ensure that beneficiary-oriented schemes reach eligible individuals. During the current financial year, camps have been held in districts including Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Shimla, receiving encouraging responses from the public. Further awareness programmes are planned in districts such as Kangra, Kullu, Sirmaur, Shimla, Una and Mandi to widen the reach of these initiatives.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to the welfare of minority communities and organisations, the Minister informed that over the last three years, financial assistance amounting to about Rs. 70 crore has been disbursed to more than 1,000 minority beneficiaries. He also noted a significant improvement in loan recovery, which has risen from around 80 percent to nearly 100 percent since the formation of the present government, reflecting better financial discipline and effective implementation.
The meeting also approved several agenda items aimed at strengthening the functioning of the Corporation, including the appointment of the Additional Chief Secretary (Social Justice and Empowerment) as a Director of HPMFDC. These measures, along with sustained financial support and outreach efforts, underline the Corporation’s evolving role in fostering inclusive growth and self-reliance among minority communities in Himachal Pradesh.
