Guwahati: States in Northeast are latching on to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana aimed at providing financial support to trades supporting a huge population.
On October 27, the latest to introduce the scheme is Nagaland. The scheme is under the purview of the state industries and commerce department. Assam was the first north-eastern state to introduce the scheme on September 15, quickly working out the modalities of the scheme after Modi announced it on Independence Day.
“Beneficiary enrollment will be conducted through Common Service Centres (CSC). Required documents include an Aadhaar Card, mobile number, bank details, and ration card. The Ministry of MSME (Nodal Ministry), the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Finance Services, in collaboration with State Governments” ( DIPR, Nagaland).
It covers 18 trades and by extension, the many more communities involved in these: carpenter, cobbler (footwear), boat maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, sculptor (idol maker, stone carver, stone breaker), goldsmith, potter, masons, basket mat broom maker/coir weaver, doll & toy maker (traditional), barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor and fishing net maker.
Many of these trades are basic to people in the Northeast where boat-makers, fishing net makers, potters or sculptors are part of local culture.
The Rs15000 crore scheme has been received with enthusiasm by governments and the communities alike. After all the scheme includes collateral-free loans and even stipend of Rs500 per day during training.
The scheme’s objective is to enhance the lives of artisans by providing them with recognition, skill development, toolkit incentives, credit support, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing assistance.
Anyone above 18 years is eligible to be a beneficiary although government employees and their close family members are ineligible.
The scheme includes skill upgradation with basic and advanced skills training, with a stipend of Rs500 per day during training, Toolkit incentives up to Rs15,000, credit support in two tranches of Rs1 lakh each offered without collateral, marketing support through quality certification, branding, promotion, e-commerce linkage, trade fairs, advertising, publicity, and other marketing activities.
Enrolment of beneficiaries will be conducted through Common Service Centres (CSC). Beneficiaries are expected to provide basic documentation like Aadhaar cards and get the credit line to start their livelihoods.
In Assam, Rs2-3 lakh are extended as loans to artisans and craftsmen with a 5% interest rate. Meghalaya is also taking advantage of the central scheme, even launching an official portal for the scheme.
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