Nagaland took part in the national launch program of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme by Prime Minister Modi at Hotel De Oriental Grand in Kohima on September 17, 2023. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Nagaland for their warm hospitality and unwavering support. He acknowledged Nagaland's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, inspiring and enriching the nation.
Dr. Balyan spoke about the visionary nature of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, designed to empower India's skilled workforce and lead the nation toward a brighter and more prosperous future. The scheme aims to harness the immense potential of the workforce, particularly those engaged in the informal sector, by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
He emphasized that India's skill diversity is a valuable treasure waiting to be unlocked, and the PM Vishwakarma Scheme recognizes the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling in a rapidly changing world. In today's fast-paced global environment, marked by unprecedented technological advancements, Dr. Balyan stressed the importance of ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable and well-prepared to seize emerging opportunities.
He highlighted several program components, including skill development, access to finance, technology adoption, marketing linkages, and social security, all aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship while ultimately improving citizens' livelihoods. Dr. Balyan encouraged every citizen to explore the opportunities provided by the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
While extending a warm welcome to all present, Moatoshi Longkumer, Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Excise expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his commitment to the people of Nagaland and the entire Northeast region.
Longkumer emphasized the significant contribution of skilled artisans and craftspeople to the Indian economy. He highlighted how these skills are traditionally passed down through generations and stressed the immense potential for micro-entrepreneurship ventures in Nagaland as a solution to unemployment.
Longkumer urged the revival and promotion of traditional skills, recognizing the economic benefits that can be derived from preserving the rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship. He underscored that Nagaland possesses a vast reservoir of traditional skills spanning various crafts, including artisanal pottery, handloom weaving, woodworking, and traditional agriculture. These skills, honed over centuries, contribute to economic growth and empowerment and create employment opportunities, especially in rural and marginalized communities. He emphasized the cultural significance of preserving these skills, ensuring continuity for future generations, and highlighted the importance of support and training to pave the way for economic prosperity in the state.
Key highlights of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme include:
- Skill Development: The scheme will provide comprehensive skill development programs tailored to various trades, ensuring that artisans and workers remain up-to-date with industry standards and emerging technologies.
- Access to Finance: It will facilitate access to financial resources and credit facilities, enabling skilled individuals to start or expand their businesses.
- Technology Adoption: The scheme encourages the adoption of modern technologies and techniques, allowing artisans to enhance the quality and competitiveness of their products.
- Marketing Linkages: It will establish marketing networks and platforms to help artisans showcase their creations to a broader domestic and international audience.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Baidyanath Maharana, Director (Finance) of NEEPCO LTD.
(Kazuhito IA)
