DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem with others during the toolkit handing over ceremony held at the DC Office, Kohima on June 20. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, June 20 (MExN): A toolkit handing over ceremony under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme was held at the DC Office, Kohima, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS on June 20.
Speaking at the event, DC Kohima said it was a significant day as the government had responded to the needs and interests of local artisans. According to the DIPR report, hee urged the artisans to multiply their gains a hundred or thousand fold using the tools provided and to work towards sustainability and long-term success.
To illustrate his point, the DC gave an example of business strategy, where a “mainland” shopkeeper buys a product for Rs 1000, sells it at Rs 2000, and if it doesn't sell, reduces the price to Rs 1500 or even Rs 1000, considering earlier profits. In contrast, a local shopkeeper sticks to Rs 2000 even after years. He also shared how a woman from Mao sold her flowers for lakh in metro cities like Bangalore.
He encouraged the artisans to be professional, dedicated, and sacrificial in their efforts, expressing hope that in the coming years, the district would be proud to hear their success stories.
Functional Manager of District Industries Centre, Kohima, Jessy Jurry, presented a brief report on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme's progress in the district. She informed that 261 artisans have been trained out of 2102 applicants, and 91 toolkits have been distributed in Kohima. Training was provided in trades such as barber, carpenter, tailor, basket maker, doll and toy making, and mason.
One of the beneficiaries, Baby Vizo, shared her journey starting from registration at a Common Services Centre to training at SCTE/ITI and eventually receiving government support. She expressed her gratitude to the government and revealed that a group would be formed among the artisans to work together and expand their businesses.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, aims to support traditional artisans by preserving their skills, improving their livelihoods, and integrating them into the formal economy through training, toolkits, credit, and marketing assistance.
The event was chaired by SDO (C) Rorheu Peseyie with welcome address by Deputy Director of Industries and Commerce, Keneirienuo T Zatsu.
