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DIMAPUR — The PM Vishwakarma ‘One year of progress and release of scheme benefits’ programme was held at the government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kohima on September 20.
The advisor of Industries and Commerce and the chief guest of the programme, Hekani Jakhalu, informed that the PM Vishwakarma a visionary initiative that represented a significant step toward empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen and to ensure that their skills are not only recognised but also supported for sustainable growth.
She highlighted that the scheme was launched on September 17, 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 would get recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, get skill upgradation training, receive toolkit incentive upto INR 15000, credit support of INR 3 lakh (collateral-free loans), marketing support through quality certification and workshops aimed at enhancing digital skills among artisans.
She added that the scheme was to empower artisans, create job, preserve culture and boost exports.
Since the PM Vishwakarma scheme is a landmark initiative aimed at recognising artisans and craftsmen, the advisor urged different stakeholders and departments to closely work together for the success of the scheme. She added that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship would provide advanced skill training for the beneficiaries and the banks would provide the beneficiaries with collateral free and subsidised interest loans.
She informed that the government has targeted to achieve 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 at government ITI in Kohima were facilitated with certificate.
A beneficiary Akhrielie Kirha, who completed training on carpentry at ITI, Kohima, received a loan of INR 1 lakh from the PM Vishwakarma benefit scheme.
The secretary of Industries and Commerce, Shanavas C, delivered the welcome address, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the joint director of DoESDR, Alongse Sangtam.