New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS): The union government has launched a skill development scheme for girls from the minority communities in the country, union minister Najma Heptulla said on Thursday.

Under the 'Nai Manzil’ scheme, girls from the minority communities will be imparted three-month skill development training in seven identified sectors relevant to the region concerned.

These include training in processing saffron and food, embroidery, computers (both software and hardware), tourism/hospitality, electronics and plumbing. Trainees will also be given stipend of Rs.4,500 for the course.

Nai Manzil is an integrated education and livelihood initiative for the minority communities.

The scheme aims to benefit school dropouts or those educated in community education institutions like madrasas, by providing them formal education (up to Class 8 or 10) and skill training along with certification.

The minority affairs minister said the scheme was launched at the Skill Development Centre, University of Kashmir and Shahi-i-Hamdan madrasa in Pampore and Imam Sadique madrasa in Shadipur, Bandipora, in Srinagar.

The minister said that the scheme had already been introduced in Patna and Motihari in Bihar and Bhandup in Mumbai. It will be introduced in other madrasas too in a phased manner.