Two-Day National event to focus on Roadmap for Minority Welfare and Socio-Economic Empowerment
Ministry of Minority Affairs is organizing a landmark two-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar on 18-19 February 2026. The significant event will be graced by Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju; Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian and various State Ministers, senior officials, and stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting minority communities and chart an action-oriented roadmap for their socio-economic development.
The Chintan Shivir will also witness the participation of State and UT Ministers Shri Adv Kento Jini, Minister from Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Imkongmar, Minister (Advisor & MLA) from Nagaland; Shri Samdup Lepcha, Minister, Social Welfare Department from Sikkim; Shri Sukla Charan Noatia, Minister, Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Tripura; and MD Zama Khan, Minister, Minorities Welfare Department from Bihar. The event will also see active participation from senior officials of the Ministry and various State governments.
Five Key Thematic Areas for Discussion:
The Chintan Shivir will feature focused group discussions on five critical themes that form the cornerstone of minority welfare like Infrastructure Development (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram – PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation), Waqf Management, Haj Management etc.
These interactive sessions will encourage active participation from all stakeholders through facilitated discussions, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving to identify implementation gaps, best practices, and actionable recommendations.
Major Technology Initiatives to be Launched:
The inaugural session on 19 February will witness the launch of three cutting-edge digital initiatives:
• PMJVK Mobile Application – for enhanced project monitoring and transparency
• Haj Suvidha Smart Wrist Band – to ensure safety and convenience for Haj pilgrims
• AI-powered Chatbot – on the Ministry’s portal for citizen services and query resolution
Event Structure:
Day 1 (18 February 2026) will feature briefing sessions on the approach and methodology of the Chintan Shivir, 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 day will conclude with a cultural programme showcasing the rich heritage of Bihar.
Day 2 (19 February 2026) will commence with a yoga session, followed by the inaugural ceremony graced by Hon’ble Ministers from Centre and States. The day will be dedicated to focused group discussions, thematic consolidations, and formulation of actionable recommendations for policy direction and programme refinement.
Significance of the Venue:
The choice of Nalanda University, Rajgir, as the venue holds symbolic significance. Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents India’s ancient tradition of knowledge, learning, and inclusive dialogue – values that resonate deeply with the objectives of this Chintan Shivir. The historic setting provides an inspiring backdrop for deliberations on minority welfare and national development.
The Chintan Shivir is expected to yield concrete action points for improving programme implementation, innovative solutions to address challenges faced by minority communities, strengthened inter-governmental coordination mechanisms, and a comprehensive roadmap for accelerated socio-economic development of minority communities aligned with national development goals.
