IT News
Imphal, Sept. 17:
Manipur participated in the nationwide launch of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the India International Convention and Expo Center (IICC) in New Delhi. The launching ceremony took place at the Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal, where Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai were in attendance.
During his speech, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh described the launch of the scheme on the auspicious day of Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday as a significant moment. He explained that the scheme aims to provide recognition, comprehensive support, and various benefits to traditional artisans and craftspeople known as “Vishwakarmas”. The Chief Minister emphasized that the scheme not only aims to provide financial assistance to artisans and craftspeople but also to preserve and promote age-old traditions, culture, and diverse heritage through local products, art, and crafts. He mentioned that the scheme, called “PM Vishwakarma,” will be fully funded by the Union Government with a budget of Rs 13,000 crore. Artisans will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centers using the biometric-based “PM Vishwakarma portal.
In conclusion, N. Biren expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for introducing this important scheme, which will enhance the livelihoods of talented artisans and craftsmen and contribute to their overall development. He also extended his best wishes to the Prime Minister on his birthday.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai addressed the audience, stating that it was an important day for all artisans and craftsmen in the country as the Prime Minister was introducing a significant scheme that would pave the way for development. The Minister emphasized that the Prime Minister has always prioritized the development of northeastern states. On behalf of all the people of the northeastern states, he conveyed his best wishes to the Prime Minister on his birthday.
Nityanand Rai further explained that the PM Vishwakarma scheme covers 18 traditional crafts, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, pottery, and tailoring, among others. He highlighted that the scheme, aimed at developing small-scale craftsmen nationwide, will play a crucial role in achieving self-reliance. He expressed hope that the talented artisans and craftsmen of Manipur would greatly benefit from the scheme and expand their operations.
Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, artisans and craftsmen will receive recognition and support through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards, skill enhancement through basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, and incentives for digital transactions and marketing support, among other provisions.
The program at the Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal was attended by various dignitaries, including Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee Shri Dinganglung Gangmei, MLA of Mao AC Losii Dikho, Chairperson of Manipur Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board K Saratkumar, President of BJP Manipur Pradesh Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, senior government officials, and craftsmen from the state.
The attendees at the function venue, led by the Chief Minister and the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, also witnessed a live stream of the national-level launch of the scheme at YashoBhoomi in Dwarka, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi served as the Chief Guest. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the first phase of the India International Convention Center (IICC), named YashoBhoomi, in Dwarka, which was dedicated to the nation.
