Empowering Artisans: Jammu and Kashmir Becomes First Union Territory To Implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory in the country to put into effect the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY).

The PMVY aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsman community.

The inauguration of the training programme for the first batch of 30 trainees (Viswakarmas) in 'darzi craft' was virtually conducted by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, and Secretary of the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Atul Kumar Tiwari, at ITI Shopian.

"In a significant step towards empowering the craftsman community through self-employment, Jammu and Kashmir today became the first Union Territory of the country to implement prestigious PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) with the start of training for the first batch of 30 trainees in darzi craft at Industrial training institute in Shopian," an official spokesman was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Bhatnagar expressed pride in Jammu and Kashmir being the first UT to implement the scheme.

He emphasized the administration's dedication to promoting skill development as a means to generate job opportunities for the young population.

He stated that the plan is anticipated to be implemented in all districts of J&K shortly.

The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY), a programme initiated by the Central government in September 2023, aims to recognise artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards.

The programme encompasses an initial training period of five to seven days, followed by an advanced training course lasting at least 15 days. Participants will receive a daily stipend of Rs 500 and will be provided with a free modern toolkit valued at Rs 15,000, specifically for the trained Vishwakarmas.

Furthermore, the scheme provides linkage with credit-based soft loans and marketing assistance to help grow their businesses.