New Delhi, July 19
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian inaugurated Skill Development Centre and a Girls Hostel under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme at Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala on July 17.
Ministry of Minority Affairs said that this centre will provide world-class training infrastructure for job-oriented education in minority-concentration areas. Skill Development Centre has been constructed at a cost of Rs 7.92 crore Skill Development Centre while Rs 9.97 crore were spent on the Girls Hostel.
"Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian inaugurated a Rs 7.92 Cr Skill Development Centre and a Rs 9.97 Cr Girls Hostel under the #PMJVK scheme at Nilambur, Malappuram, Kerala today. This centre will provide world-class training infrastructure for job-oriented education in minority-concentration areas," Ministry of Minority Affairs wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Minority Affairs Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar held a review meeting with Kerala officials in Kottayam on July 17 where discussions were focused on data uploading status regarding Waqf-related properties on the UMEED portal as well as the implementation of the several central schemes in the state.Ministry of Minority Affairs also said that discussions were held on Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS).
"Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar held a review meeting with Kerala officials in Kottayam, Kerala on 17th July 2025. Discussions focused on PMJVK, PMVIKAS, Waqf development, and data upload status on the UMEED Portal under the Unified Waqf Management Efficiency, Empowerment and Development Act, 1995," Ministry of Minority Affairs wrote on X.
The UMEED Central Portal, short for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 serves as a centralized digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.The portal is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in how Waqf assets are administered across India by introducing greater transparency, accountability, and public participation, ministry said earlier.In June, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju launched the UMEED Central Portal on Friday, a centralised digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of properties Waqf properties.
Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju asserted that the portal will bring transparency in managing the properties Waqf properties."The UMEED Portal will add a new chapter in the history of Waqf property management and administration in India. It will not only bring transparency but will also help the common Muslims, particularly women and children," Kiren Rijiju said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the intentions are good, I hope the funds are properly utilized. We've seen many such projects where the infrastructure is built but quality training doesn't happen. Need strict monitoring!
The UMEED portal sounds promising for Waqf property management. Transparency is much needed in this area. Hope it delivers what it promises.
As someone from Kerala, I'm happy to see development projects reaching Malappuram. The girls hostel will be especially helpful for students from remote areas. Inshallah this brings positive change!
₹18 crore spent on these projects is a significant amount. Hope the state government cooperates fully in implementation. Development should be above politics.
The skill development center should focus on emerging technologies and local industries. Just having a building isn't enough - need proper curriculum and industry partnerships.
Good to see central schemes reaching Kerala. But I wonder why there's no mention of similar projects in other states. Development should be balanced across all regions.
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