Srinagar, Nov 25: The Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme is revolutionizing the lives of artisans and craftspeople in Jammu and Kashmir, propelling the region to third place in nationwide implementation rankings.
Designed to uplift traditional artisans, the scheme provides formal recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards. This validation of skills not only enhances their credibility but also facilitates access to broader markets and opportunities.
An official highlighted the scheme’s focus on skill development, offering structured training programs tailored to empower the beneficiaries.
“The basic training lasts 5-7 days, while advanced sessions span over 15 days, diving deeper into specialized crafts. Artisans receive a daily stipend of ₹500 during training, easing financial burdens. Moreover, after successful completion, each participant is equipped with a free modern toolkit valued at ₹15,000,” the official explained.
The combination of skill enhancement and financial support ensures that artisans remain competitive and ready to launch their entrepreneurial ventures.
The Union Territory’s impressive performance is credited to the concerted efforts of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Facilitation Office (DFO) in Jammu, functioning under the Union Ministry of MSME. With active backing from the J&K Government, the MSME DFO Jammu has been instrumental in implementing initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, directly benefiting the local artisan community.
To streamline execution, the J&K administration has established committees at various levels. At the Union Territory level, a 13-member monitoring committee, headed by the Administrative Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, oversees the scheme’s rollout. This committee coordinates with stakeholder departments and ensures smooth collaboration between banks and financial institutions for credit support to beneficiaries.
Additionally, district-level committees, chaired by district development commissioners, manage local implementation. These committees facilitate training programs and ensure effective coordination among agencies, guaranteeing the scheme’s reach to even the remotest areas.
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