J&K becomes first UT in country to launch PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Srinagar, Jan 02: In a significant step towards empowering the craftsman community of Jammu and Kashmir, enhance their competence and empower them regarding self employment as well as equip them with industry-relevant skills, Jammu and Kashmir today became the first UT of country to launch prestigious PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) from 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 large number of locals were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Advisor Bhatnagar said that it is a proud moment for entire Jammu and Kashmir that with the support of Central Government our UT has become first UT of country to start this programme.

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 also committed to honour and empower 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 towards fostering a culture of skill environment across the region in order 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.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary MSDE highlighted on the basic objectives of the scheme saying, the scheme will be operationalised in all districts of JK soon.

Commissioner Secretary, SDD and Deputy Commissioner Shopian also spoke on the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, several trainees of first batch expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to dedicate themselves to acquiring skills that would not only benefit their individual careers but also contribute to the overall development of the region.

Pertinently, PMVY is an ambitious initiative of Central Government in September 2023 by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The scheme aims for recognition of artisans and crafts of people through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card as well 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 modern toolkit of Rs 15000 free of cost to trained Vishwakarmas besides linkage with credit based soft loans and marketing support for expansion of their business will also be provided under the Yojana.