BY TC News Desk
Agartala, September 16, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana, a scheme that aims to honour and empower the skilled workers who are associated with 18 traditional professions, such as workers, goldsmiths, and handicraftsmen. The scheme will benefit people from OBC and SC communities who are engaged in these occupations.
The Prime Minister launched the scheme through a virtual event on Sunday, which coincided with his birthday. He said that the scheme was a tribute to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman, and a recognition of the contribution of the skilled workers to the nation’s development.
The scheme will provide various benefits to the beneficiaries, such as: A monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 for six months, along with basic and advanced training and certification in their respective fields; A toolkit incentive of Rs. 15,000 for skill enhancement; Collateral-free credit assistance of up to Rs. 1 lakh in the first phase and Rs. 2 lakh in the second phase, at 5 percent annual interest rate; Market linkages and social security for the beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister also interacted with some of the beneficiaries from different states and appreciated their work and creativity. He urged them to adopt modern technology and innovation to enhance their productivity and quality.
The virtual event was attended by Union Home Minister Pratima Bhoumik, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Urban Development Minister Santana Chakma, West District DM Debapriya Bardhan and others at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan here.
Union Home Minister Pratima Bhoumik said that the Prime Minister has launched this scheme on his birthday to honour the skilled workers who have built India with their sweetness of mind in harmony with nature. She said that the Prime Minister has implemented several schemes for the welfare of the people of every section of the society in the last nine years.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that the Prime Minister has shown how to implement projects effectively for the benefit of the people. He said that many projects have come up in the country, but their proper implementation was not seen in the past. He said that the Prime Minister has developed a mentality of self-reliance among people and has aimed to preserve and enrich India’s ancient heritage, culture and diversity through local products, arts and crafts.
