Artisan Advancement: Jammu and Kashmir Initiates PM Vishwakarma Scheme

In a significant stride towards empowering craftsmen, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the pioneering Union Territory to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The scheme, inaugurated on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Shopian district, aims to bolster the talent of the artisan community and foster their advancement.

KesarTV.com reported that this initiative marks a crucial milestone in the region’s developmental journey. Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, RR Bhatnagar, and Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of Central Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, jointly inaugurated the scheme.

The scheme, envisioned to offer accreditation, training, tool kits, certification, marketing support, and easy credit facilities, garnered praise as a pivotal step towards self-employment aligned with industrial demands. It is set to expand across other districts following its successful launch in Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the significance of the scheme, Bhatnagar expressed pride in Jammu and Kashmir being at the forefront of its implementation. He underscored the Central Government’s support in realizing the vision of empowering artisans and fostering their economic independence.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, initiated by the central government in September the previous year, offers artisans 5 to 7 days of basic training and 15 days or more of advanced training, accompanied by certification and ID cards. Participants also receive daily stipends and modern toolkits worth Rs. 15,000.

The launch of the scheme echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing its inclusion in the priority list for developmental initiatives. The implementation of the Vishwakarma scheme underscores a strong message of progress and empowerment for the region.