Kupwara, March 2: A day long comprehensive awareness programme on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme was conducted today at Degree College Kupwara.
The event, aimed at empowering local artisans, was organised by MSME Development and Facilitation Office Srinagar in collaboration with District Adminstration Kupwara.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Government Degree College Kupwara, Mohammad Shafi Lone commended the efforts of the district adminstration and MSME Department in facilitating artisans.
He said that Introducing new machinery can certainly enhance productivity and efficiency, potentially upskilling artisans by exposing them to modern technology and processes. However, it’s crucial to provide adequate training and support to ensure they can effectively utilize these tools. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within the artisan community can further facilitate skill development in tandem with technological advancements.
General Manager, DIC Sameer Jan on the ocasion emphasized the importance of ensuring that no artisans should be left out from getting benefit of all schemes. He urged all eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to improve their socio-economic status.
He highlighted the availability of advanced tool kits under the scheme and directed Panchayat Secretaries to facilitate implementation of schemes on day to day basis.
On the ocasion, Functional Manager, DIC, Mudasir Sikander said that PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to empower local artisans by providing them with all required necessary support and resources to enhance their skills and livelihoods. He said that 20,000 applications have been received for PM Vishwakarma in Kupwara district, 12400 applications have been verified at level 1.
1250 applications have been approved and their batch wise trainings are on.
Principal ITI Kupwara, Aijaz Majeed Kakroo, Dy.Director, MSME Vineet Saxena,
Assistant Director, Saheen Ilaqband, and District Manager, CSC’s Kupwara, Dr.Javid Maqbool spoke on the ocasion and underscored the administration’s commitment to facilitating the implementation of the scheme and ensuring its accessibility to deserving beneficiaries. They encouraged active participation and urged stakeholders to leverage the benefits provided under the scheme to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to local economic growth.
Later training was imparted to all the Panchayat Level Officials i.e. Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Accounts Assistants, and GRS who are responsible for implementation of stage-1 beneficiaries under PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
MSME officers trained the official machinery with an aim to empower the artisans and craftsmen by offering financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and market access.
During the orientation programme, emphasis was given on the scheme’s role in revitalizing traditional crafts and fostering economic sustainability at the grassroots level.
Awareness programme was attended by Panchayat Secretaries, Panchyat accounts Assistants, staff of DIC Kupwara, GRS, CSC members and other stakeholders like artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs.
