Shillong, Sep 17: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel on Sunday launched the Rs 13,000-crore ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme to uplift traditional artisans and craftsmen here in Meghalaya.
“Traditional artisans and craftsmen play an integral role in the society by preserving India's centuries-old traditions and crafts but they are yet to receive the recognition they deserve, given their remarkable skills,” Patel said.
However, the Union Minister said the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme represents a perfect blend of India’s civilisational ethos and traditional craftsmanship which offers the option of earning livelihood while at the same time sustaining India’s age old ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’.
Patel said the scheme will benefit about 30 lakh families of traditional artisans and craftsmen, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers.
Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the talented artisans their due right by launching the 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme, Patel said this initiative would provide the necessary support and training to empower these essential members of our society.
“It is a coincidence that it is also the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been labouring to build a prosperous Bharat. This is a historic day in the development journey of India as the government has come forward as a partner to elevate the respect, enhance the capabilities, and grow the prosperity of the traditional artisans and craftsmen,” he added.
Elaborating on the measures to impart training to the skilled artisans and professions, Patel informed that during training times Rs 500 per day allowance will be provided to the artisan friends.
He also said that a toolkit voucher worth Rs. 15,000 will be given for a modern toolkit and the government will help in branding, packaging and marketing of the products.
“The products of the local artisans will also be made available in the Government e Marketplace (GeM) for better marketing of their products, he added.
The Union Minister also requested the Meghalaya government to make awareness across the state so that people get to know more about the scheme and can get themselves benefitted. (UNI)