Ministry of Minority Affairs commences Two Day Chintan Shivir at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar
Ministry of Minority Affairs commences Two Day Chintan Shivir at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar
The Ministry of Minority Affairs today commenced a two-day National ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, bringing together Union & State Ministers, senior officials, and domain experts to deliberate on a policy-driven roadmap for minority welfare and socio-economic empowerment.The vision of Chintan Shivir aligns with Prime Minister’s Vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas ,Sabka Visvaas and Sabka Prayaas which can be achieved by promoting collective approach and citizen participation.
The Shivir will be formally inaugurated on 19th February 2026, Thursday by Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in presence of Union Minister of State for MoMA Shri George Kurian and various other State Ministers. The historic setting of Nalanda, symbolizes India’s ancient knowledge tradition and spirit of dialogue, provides an inspiring backdrop for deliberations focused on inclusive national development.
Programme Structure
The first day of the Shivir includes thematic presentations by senior officials and special sessions by leading national institutions. The day will conclude with a cultural programme reflecting the rich heritage of Bihar. The second day will begin with a wellness session followed by the inaugural ceremony and thematic discussions focused on policy direction and programme strengthening.
Dr. C.S. Kumar , Secretary, MoMA expressed thanks and gratitude to State Government and Nalanda Officials in making Chintan Shivir successful.He urged States to present innovative proposals aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Dr. Kumar mentioned that Ministry focuses on increasing states involvement in effective implementation of Ministry’s Schemes .The Chintan Shivir will consist of thematic presentations by senior officials, and special presentations by Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI), Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) IIT Delhi, and Survey of India.
The purpose is to achieve inclusive development and achieve Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 by increasing centre-state coordination and including citizen participation thereby integrating development at all levels.He said, Prime Minister’s goal of Reform Perform Transform and Inform which can only be achieved by involving public-private-community partnership which will also increase transparency and accountability.
He emphasized that the role of Artificial Intelligence is paramount in achieving the goals and vision of Government as also stressed in ongoing India AI Summit .Ministry is promoting start-up and entrepreneurship through skilling programs.
Shri Ram Singh, JS , MoMA outlined the structure of Chintan Shivir and the purpose behind by elaborating mandate of the Ministry. Further , he listed out key achievements of MoMA like :- Under PMJVK Scheme, 9 lakhs+ community assets sanctioned worth Rs. 26,237 Cr ; NMDFC assisting 26.93 lakh families and concessional credit of Rs. 10,042 crore ; Launch of Haj Suvidha App; Skilling and Training of over 10 lakh minority Youth utilizing Rs 2,800 cr under PM VIKAS Scheme;Administration and Management of Waqf properties on UMEED Central Portal, 2025 as per the provisions of the UMEED Act, 1995; Scholarships amounting to Rs. 20,610 cr. distributed among 8.12 Cr. beneficiaries.
Focus Areas of Deliberations
The discussions during the Chintan Shivir are centred on five major thematic areas, including infrastructure development, socio-economic empowerment initiatives, Waqf management, and Haj management. Interactive sessions are being held to identify implementation gaps, share best practices, and formulate actionable recommendations.
Launch of Digital Initiatives
During the inaugural session on February 19, three key digital initiatives will be launched, including a mobile application for monitoring development programmes, a smart wristband for Haj pilgrims to enhance safety and facilitation, and an AI-enabled chatbot to improve citizen service delivery. These initiatives aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of services.
Shri SP Roy, Joint Secretary, MoMA while welcoming all participants stressed that Ministry focuses in inculcating spirit of partnership and citizen participation. MoMA will further brainstorm by increasing State Citizen cooperation by fruitful participation of the participants.
Ministry celebrates diversity by promoting welfare and development of minorities through its various schemes like PMJVK, PMVIKAS, NMDFC, Haj , Umeed Central Portal etc.By inculcating principles of Samvaad, Samiksha and Manthan the organisation of Chintan Shivir could be achieved through Soch se Samadhan tak, Samvad se Vikaas tak.
Expected Outcomes
The Chintan Shivir is expected to result in concrete action points, improved policy coordination, innovative programme designs, and a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening socio-economic development of minority communities in alignment with national development goals.