Imphal: Manipur joined the nationwide launch of PM Vishwakarma scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from India International Convention and Expo Centre, New Delhi, by organising a solemn function at the Sangai Hall of the Hotel Imphal.
Chief minister N. Biren Singh and Union minister of state for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai were present in the programme at Imphal.
Biren termed the launching of the scheme on the very auspicious day of Vishwakarma Jayanti and also the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a remarkable and an important moment. The scheme aims to give recognition, comprehensive support and several other benefits to the traditional artisans and craftspeople, who are referred to as ‘Vishwakarmas’, he added.
The focus of the scheme is driven by the desire to not only support the artisans and craftspersons financially, but also to keep the age-old traditions, culture and diverse heritage alive and flourishing through local products, art and crafts, he said.
The ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme will be fully funded by the Union government with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore. Under the scheme, the ‘Vishwakarmas’ will be registered ‘free of charge’ through Common Services Centres using biometric based ‘PM Vishwakarma portal’, he said.
Biren appreciated the Prime Minister for introducing such an important scheme which will help improve the livelihood of many talented artisans and craftsmen and also develop its scale of operation. He also extended his best wishes to the Prime Minister on his birthday.
Nityanand Rai said it is an important day for all artisans and craftsmen of the country as an important scheme is being introduced by the Prime Minister, which will create a new developmental path ahead. The minister continued that the Prime Minister has always been giving priority to Northeastern states, when it comes to development. As such, the minister representing all the people of northeast states conveyed his best wishes to the Prime minister on his birthday.
The scheme has been started, covering 18 traditional crafts 18 including Carpentry, Boat Making, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Making, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Pottery, Sculptor and Stone breaker, Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan), Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/ Mat/ Broom Making/ Coir Weaving, Doll & Toy Making (Traditional), Barber, Garland making, Washerman, Tailoring and Fishing Net Making. He maintained that the scheme, which will facilitate the development of small-scale craftsmen across various parts of the country, will be an important factor in achieving the goal of self-reliance.
He was hopeful that the talented artisans and craftsmen of Manipur will be much benefited by the scheme, in scaling up their operations.
Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, artisans and craftsmen will be provided recognition and support through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, Toolkit incentive of Rs15,000, Collateral-free credit support up to Rs1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 percent and Incentives for digital transactions and marketing support among others.
The gathering at the Imphal function venue also witnessed the live stream of the national level launching programme of the scheme held at YashoBhoomi, Dwarka with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The Prime Minister also dedicated the first phase of the India International Convention Centre, named YashoBhoomi in Dwarka to the nation.
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