Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 23:PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 17th September 2023 is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, including i) Carpenter; (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith ; (v) Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; (vi) Locksmith; (vii) Goldsmith; (viii) Potter; (ix) Sculptor, Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler (Shoe smith/ Footwear artisan); (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); (xiv) Barber; (xv) Garland maker; (xvi) Washer man; (xvii) Tailor; and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker. The initiative aims to empower Vishwakarma community members through skill development, credit support, modern tools, and market access.
To provide compressive awareness about the scheme and promote enrollment of targeted group under the scheme, a focused campaign was organized in North and Middle Andaman with support of District Administration of N & M Andaman District and active participation by Rural Development Department, Gram Panchayat of the respective area.
The Department organized 3 camps in Rangat Tehsil, Mayabunder & Diglipur Tehsil on 17th, 21, & 22nd April respectively. The Assistant Commissioners of the above Tehsil have lead the campaign and Senior Officials of Directorate of Industries attended the programme and deliberated the importance of the scheme and the benefits that can be availed for augmenting social economic status of the artisans. Officials offered on-the-spot registration assistance and guidance regarding the documentation process, training modules, and available financial support
The first camp organized at Rangat on 17th April, 2025 was graced by Assistant Commissioner Rangat in the presence of BDO, Industries Department & SBI Officials and PRI members which was attended by more than 30 participants. At the end of the camp, 13 beneficiaries were identified and 7 enrollments were made on the same day.
The second camp organized at Mayabundar on 21st April was attended by 30 participants. Shri Ajit Anand Deputy Director, accompanied by Shri T. Alvi Kutty Assistant Director (Tech) deliberated the scheme details to the participants through PPT.
The third camp organized at Subhas Gram, Diglipur on April 22, 2025 was attended by more than 80 participants most of them are working on the trades covered under PM Vishwakarma Scheme. The programme was conducted in association with the District Administration in the presence of Officials of Directorate of Industries, RD & Panchayat and PRI members.
At the end of each program, the issues raised by the stake holders were discussed.
Leave a Reply