Along with the rest of the country, the PM Vishwakarma ‘One Year of Progress and Release of Scheme Benefits’ programme was held at the government Industrial Training Institute, Kohima on 20th September 2024.
Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu who was the chief guest in her address said the PM Vishwakarma One Year of Progress and Release Scheme is a visionary initiative that represents a significant step toward empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen and ensures that their skills are not only recognized but also supported for sustainable growth.
She highlighted that the scheme was launched on 17th September 2023 by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to enhance the productivity and income of artisans and craftspeople across the country with the primary objectives of Skill Development, Financial Support, Market Access and Preservation of Heritage. She also shared that the beneficiaries registered for the training will get recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID Card, get skill upgradation training, receive toolkit incentive of upto Rs.15000/-, Credit support of 3 lakhs (collateral-free loans), Marketing support through quality certification and Workshops aimed at enhancing digital skills among artisans. She also added that the scheme also impacts for Empowerment of Artisans, Job Creation, Cultural Preservation and Boosting Exports.
Since the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a landmark initiative that gives recognition to the artisans and craftsmen to our society, the Advisor urged that for the success of this scheme, different stakeholders and departments should come together where the MSME and the Department of Industries and Commerce is the nodal and the overall state coordinator, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Skill Department provides the basic and advanced skill training for the beneficiaries and the banks provide the beneficiaries with collateral free and subsidized interest loans.
She also called all the stakeholders to work closely so that the state is able to provide the benefits of the scheme, that would be benefiting upto 50,000 beneficiaries by the year 2028, to uplift their economic status and also preserve the cultural fabric of the nation.
During the programme, 25 beneficiaries who had completed their training in various trades from Govt ITI, Kohima were facilitated with certificate and later during the virtual telecasted of the Prime Minister address at Wardha, Maharashtra, a beneficiary Akhrielie Kirha, who underwent training for Carpentry trade from Govt ITI, Kohima received a loan of Rs. 1 (one) Lakh from the PM Vishwakarma benefit scheme.
Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Shanavas C, IAS delivered the welcome address while the vote of thanks was proposed by Joint Director, DoESDR, Alongse Sangtam.
(Maongtemjen, IA)
