The West Bengal Minorities’ Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) is engaged in the development and upliftment of the notified minorities viz. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsee and Jain of West Bengal by executing various schemes of loans and scholarships i.e. Pre-Metric, Post Metric, Merit-cum-Means, Term Loan, Education Loan, Micro Credit (Direct Lending Scheme) etc. since its inception. Most of the beneficiaries who were benefited by the different schemes are engaged in various income generating activities in rural areas of the State. But owing to lack of marketing facilities in rural areas, beneficiaries running small business, tiny/cottage industries, artisan etc. often face difficulties in marketing their products. They also lack in their skill of advertising their products.

Keeping in mind the above problems, “MILAN UTSAV” (erstwhile named as Milan Mela) is organized every year for promoting and advertising the products of these beneficiaries in the market. The grand programme has become the one of the mega events of the State Govt. It was organized for the 1st time in the year 2016. Since then it is being organized every year. Notable number of beneficiaries through process of selection takes part in the fair. They are provided with the opportunities for exhibiting and showcasing and selling their products and services to the retailer and end-users. There are interactions and exposures between producers, corporate retailers and end- users. Various seminars and cultural programmes are also organized during the Milan Utsav that contributes in fostering communal harmony. Job fair and carrier counseling also benefit a wide range of students opening a scope of employment opportunities and higher studies and courses.