In order to review the progress on implementation of PM Viswakarma scheme, launched to uplift traditional Artisans and Craftspeople, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad here on Friday at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner took a first hand appraisal about the progress made so far with regard to registration of Artisans (Vishwakarmas), verification process in both rural and urban areas, capacity building of stakeholders and monitoring & evaluation mechanism in place for Artisans (Vishwakarmas).
The chair also took stock of the login issues on PM Vishwakarma Portal and establishing communication channels with MSME.
On the occasion, the DC was informed that as of date as many as 796 applications have been received in the District for registration under Vishwakarma scheme and 20 Panchayats of Srinagar District have been on-boarded on the PM Vishwakarma Portal.
The DC asked the Officers of line Departments to complete Teir-1 verification process within 2 days to further speed up the process.
The DC also stressed on resolving the issues related to login issues on PM Vishwakarma Portal at the earliest to ensure a smooth process. He also reviewed the process being undertaken by Common Service Centers (CSCs) in ensuring smooth enrolment of beneficiaries under the scheme.
On the occasion, the DC asked the Officers of all line Departments to be more practical in successful implementation of the scheme so that the target group is benefitted for their overall socio-economic development.
Highlighting the features of PM Vishwakarma, the Deputy Commissioner said that the scheme will directly benefit thousands of Artisans and Craftsmen of the District working with their hands and tools besides transforming the lives of the Artisans and Craftspeople contributing in preservation of traditional and heritage crafts.
The DC further said the scheme will enable the recognition of Artisans and Craftspeople as Vishwakarmas(Traditional Artisans) making them eligible to avail the benefits under the Scheme. The DC hoped that through implementation of the Vishwakarma scheme, the Artisans who are the economic growth of the society will get easy access to collateral free credit, skill upgradation besides getting a platform for brand promotion and market linkages through modern technological interventions.
Pertinent to mention that PM Vishwakarma scheme offers a range of benefits including toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, training to artisans, Rs 500 per day during training, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
It was also informed that initially Government has recognized more 18 trades under PM Vishwakarma including Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armorer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Cobbler, Masons, Basket/ Mat/ Broom Maker/ Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker, Barber, Garland Maker, Washerman, Tailor and Fishing Net Maker.
