Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 March 2025
The Extension Office, Industries Department, Car Nicobar, in collaboration with various stakeholders, successfully conducted a series of awareness programmes on the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ Scheme across all villages of Car Nicobar from February 3 to March 8, 2025. A total of 457 tribal youth and villagers actively participated in the programmes, which aimed to enhance public outreach and provide crucial information about the scheme, especially to those engaged in traditional Nicobari Hodi (canoe) making and mat and basket weaving.
During the sessions, the Industries Promotion Officer, Car Nicobar, explained the benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, outlining the incentives offered, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the registration process. He encouraged villagers to enroll based on their respective trades, highlighting how the scheme could significantly improve their socio-economic status and enhance their livelihoods. To ensure the message was fully understood, the Supervisor (Coir), Extension Office, Car Nicobar, presented the information in Nicobarese language, making it easier for participants to grasp the scheme’s advantages.
Representatives from the Fisheries Department and Village Level Workers from the Block Development Office, Car Nicobar, also contributed to the awareness drive. The Fisheries Department emphasised the opportunities available in the fisheries sector and elaborated on how the PM Vishwakarma Scheme could benefit those involved in traditional occupations.
Adding to the impact, Village Headmen, Secretaries, and Village Council representatives actively participated by addressing the villagers in Nicobarese and motivating them to take advantage of the scheme’s benefits. Pamphlets detailing the PM Vishwakarma Scheme were distributed to all participants, ensuring that the information was widely disseminated across the villages.
The awareness programmes successfully created a platform for empowering local artisans and traditional workers by equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to enhance their livelihoods through government support.