Biometric scanner representative image.
Credit: iStock Photo
Mumbai: In a continued effort to support the Parsi community and arrest its declining population, the Ministry of Minority Affairs conducted a one-day biometric authentication drive for beneficiaries of the Jiyo Parsi scheme in Mumbai on Thursday.
Ministry of Minority Affairs’ Deputy Director General Alok Kumar Verma and other senior officials, along with representatives from the Bombay Parsi Panchayat and the Government of Maharashtra took this opportunity to review the implementation of the scheme and engage directly with the beneficiaries.
The event saw active participation, with around 100 out of 148 registered beneficiaries in Mumbai attending and completing their mandatory annual biometric authentication.
The Jiyo Parsi scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, comprises three key components: Medical Assistance (provides financial aid for infertility treatments such as IVF, ICSI, surrogacy, and post-conception care), Health of the Community (offers monthly financial support to Parsi couples with children as well as to dependent elderly members) and Advocacy (promotes timely marriage, fertility awareness, and family support within the community).
The Ministry is actively working to expand the reach of the scheme. As of now, 138 new applications have been received for enrollment under the Jiyo Parsi scheme. These applications are currently under scrutiny and will be processed in accordance with the scheme’s guidelines.
The Jiyo Parsi scheme continues to play a vital role in supporting the cultural and demographic continuity of one of India’s smallest and most distinguished communities. Today’s successful biometric drive underscores the government’s commitment to ensure transparency, accountability and the continued delivery of benefits to the Parsi community.