Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 18 September 2023
In a significant move aimed at uplifting the skilled artisans and craftsmen of India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, launched the Central Sector Scheme, PM Vishwakarma, in a grand ceremony held at New Delhi on September 17, 2023. The event, which garnered nationwide attention, was not confined to the national capital but simultaneously organized at various locations across the country to ensure widespread awareness among potential beneficiaries.
The launch ceremony was a momentous occasion, live-streamed at the DBRAIT Auditorium, organized by the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Administration. The event was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence and Tourism, GoI, Mr. Ajay Bhatt, who served as the chief guest. In the august assembly were distinguished figures, including Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, who honoured the event as the guest of honour.
The ceremony also witnessed the participation of key figures such as the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, senior officers of the A&N Administration, as well as a large gathering of public representatives, artisans, and craftspeople from the islands.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Ajay Bhatt lauded the natural beauty of the islands and highlighted the remarkable progress that India has achieved under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised that India now enjoys global recognition, thanks to the Prime Minister’s visionary approach. Bhatt noted that Indians are warmly welcomed abroad, a testament to the country’s newfound respect on the world stage.
Turning his attention to the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, Minister Bhatt revealed that this program targets 18 categories of vishwakarmas/trade practitioners. These skilled artisans and craftsmen contribute significantly to various fields, including architecture, road construction, sculpture, and traditional crafts. Despite their invaluable contributions, there had been little focus on their welfare and the future of their families. The scheme, Bhatt explained, aims to rectify this by supporting artisans in 18 different professional categories, including carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, and more.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor, in his address, extended heartfelt congratulations on the launch of ‘Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana.’ He highlighted the role the scheme will play in generating employment opportunities for artisans and craftsmen across the country. Lt. Governor emphasized that transformational changes were taking place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He also spoke about the local community known for its diverse traditional arts and skills. He pledged the Island Administration’s commitment to promoting the scheme through public participation and providing marketing support to craftsmen, thus ensuring their talents receive recognition and opportunities for growth.
The Chief Secretary, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, highlighted the auspiciousness of Vishwakarma Jayanti coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. He shared insights into India’s rich tradition of artisanal crafts and revealed that the PM Vishwakarma scheme, with a budget of Rs. 13,000 crores fully funded by the Centre, would benefit approximately 18 handicrafts and their artisans.
The scheme launch event underscored the government’s commitment to empowering India’s artisans and craftsmen, opening new doors for their professional growth and recognition.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Rajesh Khare, Chief Engineer of CPWD, Chennai, expressing gratitude for this significant initiative.