Independence Day address, the Prime Minister unveiled two significant initiatives aimed at empowering artisans and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) across India.The two initiatives are: the Vishwakarma Yojana and the provision of drones for women SHGs under Lakpati Didi Scheme.
Vishwakarma Yojana
- The Vishwakarma Yojana is a pioneering scheme designed to uplift individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community.
- This scheme, named after the divine architect and craftsman Vishwakarma, seeks to preserve and enhance the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-pupil tradition) of passing down skills within families engaged in various artisanal trades.
Features
- Recognition and Support: Artisans and craftspeople enrolled in the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card.
- They will also be eligible for collateral-free credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
- Skill Development and Empowerment: The Vishwakarma Yojana has been allocated a budget ranging from ₹13,000 crore to ₹15,000 crore for five financial years from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.
- The scheme offers a stipend of ₹500 for skill training and ₹1,500 for the purchase of modern tools.
- Scope and Coverage: The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades across both rural and urban areas. These trades encompass carpenters, boat-makers, blacksmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, tailors, and more.
- Registration and Implementation: Registration for the Vishwakarma Yojana can be completed at common services centers in villages.
- While the central government will provide funding for the scheme, state governments’ support will also be sought.
- Integration with Value Chains: A notable objective of the scheme is to ensure that artisans are seamlessly integrated into both domestic and global value chains, thus enhancing their market access and opportunities.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
- The government’s goal is to create two crore “lakhpati didis” (prosperous sisters) in villages. This scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
- Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
Features
- Drones will be provided to women SHGs for agricultural activities.
- This initiative aims to leverage technology to transform the agricultural landscape while empowering women in rural communities.
- Around 15,000 women’s SHGs will be given training in operating and repairing drones.
- This training will not only create new avenues for income generation but also equip women with cutting-edge skills.
- Drones have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.
- Under the scheme, women will be trained in skills like LED bulb making, plumbing, among others.