SRINAGAR: In a step towards empowering the craftsman community of Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing their competence, and empowering them regarding self-employment, as well as equipping them with industry-relevant skills, Jammu and Kashmir today became the first UT of the country to launch the prestigious PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Shopian.
The Yojana was launched virtually by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, along with Secretary, Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Atul Kumar Tiwari, with the first batch of 30 trainees (Viswakarmas) of Darzi Craft being imparted training at ITI Shopian from today.
Joint Secretary, MSDE, Sonal Mishra; Commissioner Secretary, SDD, J&K, Saurabh Bhagat; Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb; Director SDD, J&K, Principals, Superintendents, and Instructors of Government ITIs, various craftsmen, and a large number of locals were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor Bhatnagar said that it is a proud moment for the entire Jammu and Kashmir that with the support of the Central Government, our UT has become the first UT in the country to start this program.
He remarked that PMVY is an important scheme as it aims to provide recognition training tool kits certification marketing support and soft loans to empower our craftsmen. He also underscored that this scheme is committed to honouring and empowering the artisans of our country who immensely contribute towards the economy of our nation as a whole.
The Advisor further highlighted that the present LG-led Administration is committed to fostering a culture of skill environment across the region to create maximum employment avenues for the youth.
Advisor Bhatnagar, on the occasion, commended the efforts of SDD and ITI Shopian in implementing the program and highlighted the importance of skill development in empowering the youth and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. He encouraged the craftsmen to make the most of this opportunity and become catalysts for change across Jammu and Kashmir.
The scheme will be operationalised in all districts of JK soon. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary MSDE highlighted the basic objectives of the scheme.
Commissioner Secretary, SDD, and Deputy Commissioner Shopian also spoke on the occasion.
While speaking on the occasion, several trainees of the first batch expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to dedicate themselves to acquiring skills that would not only benefit their careers but also contribute to the overall development of the region.
Pertinently, PMVY is an ambitious initiative of the Central Government in September 2023 by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The scheme aims to recognise artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards as well as basic training of five to seven days and advanced training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs 500 per day. The scheme will also provide a modern toolkit of Rs 15,000 free of cost to trained Vishwakarma besides linkage with credit-based soft loans and marketing support for the expansion of their business will also be provided under the Yojana.
