In a momentous virtual event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme,’ aimed at honouring traditional skills and empowering craftspeople and artisans in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The initiative is set to directly benefit thousands of skilled individuals who have preserved the region’s rich heritage and culture.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this transformative endeavour, highlighting its potential to uplift the artisans and craftspeople of J&K who have tirelessly contributed to the socio-economic growth of the region.
“Our outstanding artisans, with their creativity and hard work, have not only preserved the priceless heritage, diverse culture, and traditions but also kept the wheels of socio-economic growth moving. These hardworking hands are the strength of the progressive society,” stated the Lt Governor.
The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ is dedicated to recognizing and supporting the traditional skills of craftspeople and their unwavering commitment. It encompasses financial assistance, skill upgradation, and integration into national and global value chains.
Traditionally, Vishwakarmas are regarded as catalysts for growth, embodying artistic prowess, the essence of the arts, and builders of enterprises. However, for decades, a discriminatory system in J&K has hindered the aspirations of communities engaged in traditional skills, as pointed out by the Lt. Governor.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister, the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas” drives efforts to empower the marginalized sections of society, and ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ is expected to revolutionize the lives of Vishwakarmas,” the Lt. Governor affirmed.
Lt. Governor also highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the UT Administration to promote socio-economic development within families engaged in traditional skills, handloom, and handicraft sectors.
Handloom and handicrafts have emerged as pivotal components of the region’s economy, with over 29 crafts now recognized under the handicrafts and handloom sector. With the support from the Prime Minister, exports of handicrafts and handloom have witnessed a remarkable doubling.
The Lt. Governor also called upon all sections of society to identify and isolate elements disrupting peace and development, stressing that the network of conflict profiteers has been dismantled to pave the way for peace and prosperity.
Efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in governance were emphasized, with a commitment to safeguarding people’s rights, promoting merit, and strengthening the ecosystem of good governance and transparency.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Kaushal Kishore, encouraged maximum participation of traditional artists and craftspeople in the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme.’ He commended the progress made by Jammu and Kashmir under various schemes and assured support for women in establishing industrial units.
Tailor Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, a recipient of the Vishwakarma ID Card and certificate, was recognized in Delhi for his exceptional skills in traditional pheran making, an art he has dedicated 40 years to perfecting.
The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme,’ fully funded by the Union Government with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, offers benefits such as registration through biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal, skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, collateral-free credit support, and incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
The scheme aims to preserve and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara (mentor-disciple tradition) and covers eighteen traditional crafts, including carpenter, boat maker, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor and tailor.
The UT-level launch ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Aftab Malik, Chairman of the District Development Council Srinagar,. Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary of Science & Technology, and Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary of Industries & Commerce, among others, alongside numerous craftspeople and artisans.
