Advisor Hekani Jakhalu along with other officials during the launch.
Kohima, September 20 (MExN): The PM Vishwakarma ‘One Year of Progress and Release of Scheme Benefits’ programme was held today at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kohima, bringing together artisans and stakeholders to celebrate this pivotal initiative aimed at empowering traditional craftsmen.
Chief Guest and Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, emphasized the scheme’s significance in recognizing and supporting the skills of artisans for sustainable growth. “The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a visionary initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, designed to enhance the productivity and income of artisans and craftspeople across the country,” she stated.
Jakhalu outlined the scheme’s primary objectives: skill development, financial support, market access, and the preservation of heritage. Beneficiaries registered for training will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgrade training, a toolkit incentive of up to Rs 15,000, credit support of Rs 3 lakh in collateral-free loans, and marketing assistance through quality certification and digital skills workshops. She highlighted the scheme's broader impacts, including empowerment of artisans, job creation, cultural preservation, and boosting exports.
The Advisor urged various stakeholders and departments to collaborate effectively to maximize the benefits of the scheme. “For its success, the MSME and the Department of Industries and Commerce must act as the nodal coordinators, with support from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and financial institutions providing loans,” she noted.
Jakhalu underscored the scheme's potential to uplift the economic status of approximately 50,000 beneficiaries by 2028 while preserving the nation’s cultural fabric.
During the event, 25 beneficiaries from the Government ITI, Kohima, who completed their training in various trades, were presented with certificates. In a notable moment during a virtual address by the Prime Minister from Wardha, Maharashtra, beneficiary Akhrielie Kirha, who trained in carpentry, received a loan of ₹1 lakh from the PM Vishwakarma benefit scheme.
The programme began with a welcome address by Shanavas C, IAS, Secretary of Industries and Commerce, and concluded with a vote of thanks from Alongse Sangtam, Joint Director of DoESDR.
