Context

• The Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on August 13, 2024, launched the Jiyo Parsi Scheme portal.

Advantages of Online portal:

• Online Application: The portal will enable Parsi couples to apply online under the scheme which aims to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions. 
• Financial Assistance: The scheme provides financial assistance to Parsi couples for medical treatment under standard medical protocol and towards childcare, and assistance to dependent elderly.
• Direct Benefit Transfer: The beneficiaries and applicants will be able to check the status of their application and will be able to receive the financial assistance online through Direct Benefit Transfer mode.

About Jiyo Parsi scheme

• To address declining population of Parsi community, the Indian government launched the 'Jiyo Parsi scheme' in 2013.
• Funding: 100% Central Sector Scheme 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs 
• It employs a scientific and structured approach to stabilize the community's numbers.

Key objectives of the scheme:

• Population stabilization: The core goal is to increase the Parsi birth rate and arrest the population decline.
• Medical assistance: Providing financial support for medical treatments related to fertility issues.
• Childcare and elderly support: Offering assistance for childcare and support to dependent elderly Parsis.
• Awareness campaigns: Promoting awareness about the scheme and the importance of preserving the Parsi heritage.

Components of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme:

1. Advocacy Component

• Awareness creation: Conducting workshops, seminars, and campaigns to inform the Parsi community about the scheme, its benefits, and the importance of population stabilization.
• Counseling: Providing counseling to couples on fertility issues, marriage, family planning, and elderly care.

2. Health of the Community Component

• Childcare support: Offering financial assistance to Parsi parents for childcare expenses, including creche facilities.
• Elderly care: Providing support to dependent elderly Parsis to help with daily living activities.

3. Medical Assistance Component

• Financial support: Providing financial assistance for medical treatments related to fertility issues, including In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

• The declining birth rate is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to it. 
• The scheme needs to be complemented by other initiatives to address social, cultural, and economic factors affecting the Parsi community.
• The future of the Parsi community depends on various factors: Changes in societal attitudes, Economic conditions, Continued efforts to preserve the Parsi heritage and culture, etc