PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has received more than 200 applications from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and companies for the 2025 Socio-Economic Development Grant for the Indian Community since it was launched on Dec 2.
Mitra special task force committee chairman P. Prabakaran said that institutions eager to implement impactful programmes for the Indian community can continue to apply until Jan 5.
"Those interested in applying for the grant can approach the Mitra office, and we will guide them through the application process.
"We also emphasise that proposed programmes ought to be need-based, not want-based. We should aim for areas with a substantial B40 Indian population and implement projects tailored to their needs," Prabakaran explained.
He further stressed the importance of engagement with Mitra to assist in identifying key areas to address urban and rural poverty within the Indian community.
He added that the PPSMI grant applications will be processed following the closing date.
Prabakaran shared this information with reporters after presiding over the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) Engagement Session for the Low-Income Indian Community on Friday (Dec 13).
As for the engagement session, Prabakaran commented that it gathered a focus group of academics, professionals, and NGOs to devise policies aimed at addressing the needs of the low-income Indian community.
"This is a significant initiative, and I would like to express my gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for, for the first time in history, allowing Mitra to draft policies for the Indian community to be included in the 13MP document.
"Once the policy draft is completed, we will present it to the Economy Ministry," he said.
Prabakaran reported that nine engagement sessions had been held, involving various stakeholders including the Finance Ministry, and all findings will be compiled.
In addition to poverty, the engagement session addressed several key issues including entrepreneurship, youth development, socioeconomic challenges, and Tamil schools. – Bernama
Keywords/SEO terms: Mitra, PPSMI, Grant, Indian, Community, Socio-Economic Development, B40, 13th Malaysia Plan, Low-Income Indian Community, Engagement, P. Prabakaran
