J&K UTLBC conducts awareness workshop on PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Srinagar, Aug 23: In order to provide impetus to the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and create awareness among the stakeholders, J&K UTLBC today organised a workshop here at J&K Bank’s corporate headquarters. The objective of the workshop was to reiterate the objectives and benefits of the scheme among all the stakeholders.

The Bank’s General Manager (UTLBC) Syed Rais Maqbool chaired the workshop in presence of GM (DIC) Hameeda, Asst. Director (Ministry of MSME) Saheel Yaqub Allaqband, Bank’s DGM (MSME) Rakesh Magotra, SEO National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Kehkashan Anjum and senior officials from public and private sector banks/financial institutions besides valley-based Vishwakarmis.

Zonal Head (Jammu) Rajesh Dubey along with Assistant Director (Industries and Commerce Deptt. Jammu) Pankaj Sasan also joined the workshop through VC Mode along with the Jammu-based Vishwakarmis and representatives from banks and NSDC.  The workshop was also attended Branch Managers of Bank branches located in the vicinity besides LDMs were also present on the occasion.

In his welcome address, Syed Rais Maqbool highlighted the significance of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme saying, “All of us know that PM Vishwakarma Scheme is an ambitious program launched by the honourable Prime Minister last year designed to support those working with their own hands, tools and other equipment. Being important segment of the country, the progress of Vishwakarmis will contribute positively in our journey of economic growth towards Viksit Bharat.”

“I am happy to share with you that J&K UT has emerged as prime mover in this scheme and lot of progress has been made on this front. Today’s workshop has been conducted in line with the directions from Directorate of Financial Services (DFS, GoI) to popularize the scheme and bring together all the stakeholders including scheme beneficiaries at one platform to plug-in loopholes experienced by the concerned stakeholders”, he added.

He further said, “As a significant step towards empowering our Vishwakarmis across the nation, the scheme aims to provide the skilled workers of our country better tools, training and incentive-driven credit scheme to improve their efficiency, their productivity and enhance the quality of their lives.”

Expressing confidence that all the stakeholders here would work in close co-ordination henceforth, he asserted, “I am sure, all of us will work in tandem to make this ambitious national program a grand success,”

During the workshop, Incharge (GSGD) gave a detailed presentation of the scheme wherein he apprised the participants about the scheme, its objectives, and process involved in availing the scheme. He also dwelt in detail upon benefits of the scheme to Vishwakarmis like recognition as craftsmen, trainings for skill-upgrade, incentive for toolkits besides credit support from the banks, brand promotion and incentivized digital transactions. Some challenges being faced by the concerned stakeholders were also discussed on the occasion along with suggestions that came up during the workshop regarding the scheme.

While hailing the workshop as important event for all stakeholders, Saheel Yaqub Allaqband underlined the importance of providing identity cards to Vishwakarmis, which he said, “makes them realize that they are as important to nation building as others.”

“The scheme is so powerful and beneficial. This can be gauged by today’s workshop where all stakeholders have come together. Artisans are a special people with different skillsets and we need to take special care of them”, said GM (DIC) Hameeda.

SEO (NSDC) Kehkashan Anjum also spoke on the occasion and said that NSDC identifies the talent of Vishwakarmas and train them to upgrade their skillsets. “This event is important for all of us as a step towards making the Vishwakarmis self-employed and improve their productivity”, she said.

The Vishwakarmis present on the occasion thanked all the stakeholders present on the occasion and expressed confidence that such events will help them achieve their aspirations for growth and progress.

Notably, the scheme is fully funded by the Union Government and aims at providing several benefits to the Vishwakarmis who are either self-employed or intend to setup their own small-scale ventures. The credit support to the eligible Vishwakarmis comprises loan at fixed ROI of just 5% per annum with no collateral security. The loan case has to be processed within maximum 14 working days by the banks.

The scheme covers crafts men engaged in  eighteen activities that include Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit maker, Locksmith, Sculptor (Moortikaar), Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhaar), Cobbler(Shoesmith), Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/ Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker, Barber, Garland Maker, Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor and Fishing Net Maker.