Kuala lumpur: More than 50,000 members of the Indian community in Malaysia, particularly from the B40 and M40 groups, are set to benefit from six new initiatives under the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) for 2026, with a total allocation of RM65.5 million. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced the initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic standing of the Indian community through education, entrepreneurship, community development, healthcare, and social assistance. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the implementation of these programmes follows an additional RM50 million allocation to MITRA, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 10, increasing the unit's total allocation for this year to RM150 million. Ramanan emphasized that the additional funding would allow for increased assistance and support for those in need. Among the key initiatives is the Celik MADANI Programme, offering early childhood education subsidies to 4,000 B40 Indian ch ildren, with assistance up to RM2,530 per person and an allocation of RM10 million. For secondary school students, the Kalvi MADANI Programme provides free tuition classes to 5,000 candidates sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations from the B40 group, with an allocation of RM5 million. Ramanan also highlighted the Uyarvu MADANI Programme, aimed at empowering B40 and M40 Indian entrepreneurs through start-up grants of up to RM50,000 to 500 entrepreneurs across sectors like e-commerce, automotive, and digital technology. In healthcare, the Arogya MADANI Programme will offer dialysis treatment subsidies of up to RM5,000 annually to 1,300 chronic kidney disease patients, involving an allocation of RM6.5 million. In collaboration with the National Welfare Foundation (YKN), MITRA will implement the Thunai MADANI Programme to aid B40 Indian individuals and families through financial aid and welfare support, targeting 10,000 recipients with assistanc e of up to RM5,000. The programme includes disaster and emergency aid, funeral assistance, basic utilities, medical treatment, and more. Additionally, the MADANI Indian Community Programme will be carried out with Government Members of Parliament Service Centres to engage with the Indian community in rural and interior areas across 38 districts in Malaysia, with each service centre receiving RM150,000 for education, entrepreneurship, social, and healthcare programmes. Further information on eligibility and applications can be accessed through MITRA's official website. Ramanan assured that all programmes will be accompanied by comprehensive implementation reports and periodic monitoring to ensure transparency and effectiveness.