Loans worth Rs 51 crore distributed to 511 beneficiaries in the first phase
- Jain community contributes Rs 51 lakh to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
Mumbai, November 2026 : The state government is committed to making economically weaker sections of the Jain community self-reliant by providing interest-free loans and promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment. A planned framework will also be prepared for the preservation and conservation of the Jain community’s religious, cultural and historical heritage. Efforts will also be made to encourage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to facilitate the exchange of literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit and Marathi, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar said.
He was speaking at a loan distribution ceremony organised by the Jain Minority Development Economic Corporation at Aradhya Bhakti Park in Ghatkopar. Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Corporation Chairman Lalit Gandhi, chief organiser Parag Shah, Corporation Coordinator Sandeep Bhandari, Jain monk Namra Muni Maharaj, Jain nuns and representatives of various Jain community organisations were present on the occasion.
Shelar said the Jain principles of non-violence, compassion for all living beings, dedication and universal welfare serve as guiding values for society. The government is making efforts to empower economically weaker sections of the Jain community and enable them to become self-reliant.
He said interest-free loans would encourage new entrepreneurs, innovative businesses and self-employment. He added that proposals concerning various demands of the Jain community would be placed before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and efforts would be made to secure their approval.
A structured plan will also be drawn up for the preservation and conservation of religious sites, spiritual centres and historical structures associated with Jain traditions across Maharashtra. Efforts will be made to make AI technology available to promote the exchange of literature and literary creation in Prakrit, Sanskrit and Marathi, he added.
Jain community urged to support drought-affected people: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha
Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha appealed to the Jain community to come forward to help people affected by drought, keeping in view the seriousness of the drought situation in the state.
He urged every member of the community to contribute at least Rs 100 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and participate in the government's relief efforts. Observing that Jainism has an ancient tradition and an inseparable connection with Indian culture, Lodha said all sections of society should work together in the spirit of broader cultural unity.
Corporation Chairman Lalit Gandhi said the Jain Minority Development Economic Corporation was working towards providing scholarships, financial assistance to widows for starting businesses, modernisation of religious schools (pathshalas) and the development of Vihar Dham facilities.
On the occasion, he announced that the All India Jain Minority Federation would contribute Rs 51 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Loans worth Rs 51 crore distributed to 511 beneficiaries
During the programme, loan sanction cheques were symbolically handed over to beneficiaries by Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar under three schemes: the Seth Walchand Hirachand Self-Employment Loan Interest Reimbursement Scheme, the Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Higher Education Loan Scheme and the Women’s Self-Help Group Loan Scheme.
In the first phase of these schemes, loans amounting to Rs 51 crore were distributed among a total of 511 beneficiaries.
Corporation Coordinator Sandeep Bhandari delivered the introductory remarks and conducted the programme. Jain monk Namra Muni Maharaj, Jain nuns and other monks offered their blessings to those present. Office-bearers and representatives of various community organisations, along with a large number of citizens, attended the event.
