SRINAGAR, JAN 19: To uplift the artisans, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday set up various committees for the effective implementation of the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme in the Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir has already become the first Union Territory to implement the PM’s Vishwakarma Scheme.
On Friday, the administration formed various committees for the effective implementation of the scheme in the Union Territory.
According to an order, the UT-level monitoring committee will be headed by the Administrative Secretary Industries and Commerce Department and has 13 members from various departments.
They have to coordinate the rollout of the PM Vishwakarma in the UT.
The committee has been directed to ensure the active participation of stakeholder departments and agencies of the UT facilitating the implementation of the scheme.
“To facilitate agencies of MSDE in providing skill training to the beneficiaries. To ensure coordination among banks and financial institutions for smooth provisioning of credit support to the beneficiaries,” the order reads.
Besides district-level committees have been framed under the chairmanship of district development commissioners of the respective districts.
“They have to ensure seamless enrollment of the beneficiaries by the CSCs in the Gram Panchayats and ULB of the district. To ensure proper and smooth verification of the enrolled beneficiaries by the heads of gram panchayats and executive heads of ULB,” it reads.
The scheme provides formal recognition to artisans and craftspeople through the issuance of PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards. This recognition not only validates their skills and expertise but also opens doors to new opportunities and market access.
An official said the scheme focuses on enhancing the skills by offering both basic and advanced training programs.
“The basic training spans five to seven days, while the advanced training delves deeper into specific crafts and lasts for 15 days or more. This structured approach ensures continuous learning and skill development, enabling artisans to stay competitive and relevant in the market. To further empower Viswakarmas, the scheme provides them with a daily stipend of Rs 500 during training. Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, each trainee receives a free modern toolkit worth Rs 15,000. This financial support alleviates financial constraints and equips artisans with the necessary tools to kick start their entrepreneurial ventures,” the official said.
“J&K’s proactive implementation of PMVY serves as a beacon of hope for the UT’s artisanal community. By providing comprehensive support and fostering an environment conducive to skill development and entrepreneurship, the scheme paves the way for a brighter future for J&K’s talented artisans. Their empowered presence will not only contribute to the economic growth of the UT but also preserve and enrich the unique cultural tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
