A section of the participants attending the workshop cum orientation programme on PM-Vishwakarma (PMVK) was conducted at DC conference hall, Wokha on February 23. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | February 23
A one-day workshop cum orientation programme on PM-Vishwakarma (PMVK) was conducted at DC conference hall, Wokha on February 23. This programme is organised for the field officials and staff of all the Block Development Officers, NSRLM, NULM-Wokha Staff, Wokha Town Council, Bhandari Town Council and all CSCs/VLEs under Wokha district.
K Myingthungo Kikon, General Manager of District Industries Centre Wokha, elucidated on the aims and objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, emphasising its role as a central sector scheme launched by the Government of India, designed to offer holistic support to artisans and craftspeople who rely on manual skills and tools.
The scheme targets those who are self-employed or aspire to establish small-scale ventures, with a special focus on empowering women and marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, persons with disabilities, transgender individuals, and residents of Northeastern states, island territories, and hilly areas.
The objectives encompass recognition, skill enhancement, toolkit provision, credit facilitation, marketing assistance, and incentives for digital transactions, aiming to uplift and empower artisans across various domains.
Benefits and eligibility
Resource person Anuranjan Singh, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (I/C) Wokha highlighted the benefits and eligibility under the PMVK scheme which includes PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card: Artisans and craftspeople will receive these documents, which recognize them as Vishwakarma and enable them to access all benefits under the scheme.
• Skill Upgradation: Basic (5-7 days) and advanced skill (15 days) training will be provided, with a stipend of Rs 500 per day during the training period.
• Toolkit Incentive: Eligible applicants can receive up to Rs 15,000 as a toolkit incentive.
• Credit Support: Beneficiaries can avail credit support of Rs 3 lakhs, provided in two tranches of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakhs.
• Marketing Support: This includes quality certification, branding and promotion, e-commerce linkage, participation in trade fairs, advertising, publicity, and other marketing activities to help artisans market their products effectively.
• Eligibility Criteria: Engagement in one of the 18 identified trades, minimum age of 18, restriction to one family member's registration and benefits, and exclusion of government servants and their family members.
Achio W Kikon, District Manager of CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd., outlined the registration process for the PMVK scheme. Beneficiaries can apply through Common Service Centers (CSC), providing documents such as Aadhaar card, mobile number, bank details, and ration card.
Currently, a total of 272 individuals have enrolled for the PMVK scheme, with 188 from urban areas and 84 from rural areas.
The trades covered under the scheme include carpenter, boat maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, sculptor, goldsmith, potter, cobbler, masons, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, doll & toy maker (traditional), barber, garland, Washerman, tailor, and fishing net maker.
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