New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Central Sector Scheme PM-Vishwakarma in New Delhi on Sunday. The primary objective of this new scheme is to provide comprehensive support and recognition to traditional artisans and craftsmen who work with basic tools and their hands. The goal is to enhance the quality, scale, and outreach of their products while also integrating them into the MSME value chains.
In line with a whole-of-government approach, the event will also take place at approximately seventy different locations across the country to raise awareness among potential beneficiaries tomorrow. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, will be the Chief Guest at the historic event, which is being organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in Mangalore, Karnataka. Parshottam Rupala will address the audience and engage with the beneficiaries during the event.
Among the distinguished guests present on this occasion will be U.T. Khadar Fareed, the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, and the Dakhina Kannada District In-charge Minister; Mankala S Vaidya, Minister of Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport, Government of Karnataka; Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament from Dakshina Kannada Constituency; and D. Veerendra Heggade, Member of the Rajya Sabha.
This event will be particularly special as it will host over 600 artisans and craftsmen at the Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Centre in Mangalore. These artisans include traditional boat makers, fishing net makers, goldsmiths, carpenters, sculptors, tailors, and potters, with others joining virtually.
The traditional arts and crafts of India are known for their distinctiveness, historical significance, and the dedication of the artisans, often referred to as ‘Vishwakarmas,’ who create intricate items using traditional tools and techniques. These artisans are the foundation of the nation. On August 16, 2023, the Union Cabinet of India made a visionary decision to implement the “PM Vishwakarma Yojana” scheme across the entire country.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, as approved by the Government of India, encompasses 18 traditional trades, including fishing net makers, tailors, washermen, garland makers, barbers, doll and toy makers, basket/mat/broom makers, masons, cobblers, sculptors, stone breakers, potters, goldsmiths, locksmiths, hammer and tool kit makers, blacksmiths, armourers, boat makers, and carpenters.
The contributions of net makers and boat makers to the development of small-scale industries and the fisheries sector are indispensable. They are crucial for the smooth operation of the fishing industry and serve as the backbone of Indian marine fisheries.
The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The scheme includes various implementation activities such as identifying and verifying beneficiaries, offering skill enhancement training, facilitating access to credit support, providing marketing assistance, and more, all aimed at enabling these artisans to move up the value chain. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is fully committed to actively supporting and cooperating in the implementation of this scheme for the well-being of Vishwakarmas in the fisheries sector.