New Delhi: Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, on Tuesday chaired a crucial Advisory Committee Meeting for the “Jiyo Parsi” scheme, held in collaboration with representatives from the Maharashtra and Gujarat state governments and Parsi Panchayats.
The meeting, held on August 12, 2025, focused on a comprehensive review of the “Jiyo Parsi” scheme’s implementation, a flagship initiative by the Government of India to address the declining population of the Parsi community.
Discussions centered on a range of suggestions and measures aimed at enhancing the scheme’s efficiency and expanding its outreach to a wider segment of the Parsi community. The committee deliberated on strategies to increase awareness about the scheme’s benefits, streamline the application process, and address any challenges in its execution.
The “Jiyo Parsi” scheme, launched in 2013-14, offers financial assistance for fertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART), along with advocacy and counseling services to promote family planning within the community. It also provides financial support for childcare and care for the elderly.
The meeting underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to the preservation of the Parsi community, one of India’s smallest and most distinguished minority groups. By refining the implementation and advocacy strategies, the Ministry aims to ensure that the scheme continues to play a vital role in reversing the demographic decline and supporting the community’s cultural continuity.