Union minister Rai vows uplift of artisans' status
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB / DIPR
Imphal, September 18 2023:
Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai launched PM Vishwakarma in the state on Sunday, coinciding with Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday.
The event held at Sangai Hall of Imphal hotel, in the presence of chief minister N Biren was part of the PM's virtual launch of the scheme from New Delhi, spanning 70 locations across the country.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Nityanand Rai emphasised the scheme's potential to uplift traditional artisans, improve their socio-economic status, and contribute to preserving India's rich cultural tapestry.
He expressed confidence that Manipur would lead in successfully implementing the scheme.
Rai highlighted the government's continuous efforts, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, to empower artisans, create employment opportunities, and upgrade the livelihoods of craftsmen nationwide.
The scheme places special focus on artisans in the north eastern states, including Manipur, aiming to accelerate comprehensive development under the leadership of chief minister N Biren, he said.
The union minister outlined various features of the new scheme, emphasising PM Modi's goal to support individuals engaged in traditional crafts.
The scheme focuses not only on financial support but also on preserving age-old traditions, culture, and diverse heritage through local products, art, and crafts.
To facilitate easy enrolment for artisans to avail the scheme's benefits, the Central government has designated common service centres in villages as registration points, he said.
Rai maintained that this day is significant for all artisans and craftsmen of the country, as an important scheme is being introduced by PM Modi, charting a new developmental path.
He conveyed the Prime Minister's consistent priority towards the north eastern states and wished the Prime Minister on his birthday.
He also elaborated on the PM Vishwakarma scheme, which encompasses 18 traditional crafts, including carpentry, boat making, armourer, blacksmith, and others while explaining that the scheme, aimed at development of small-scale craftsmen across various parts of the country, is a crucial factor in achieving self-reliance.
In his address, chief minister N Biren commended the launch of the scheme on Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday.
The scheme aims to provide recognition, comprehensive support, and several other benefits to traditional artisans and craftsmen, known as 'Vishwakarmas', he noted.
Biren further said that the scheme's focus is to not only support artisans and craftsmen financially but also to keep age-old traditions, culture, and diverse heritage alive and flourishing through local products, art, and crafts.
The 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme will be fully funded by the union government with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore.
Under the scheme, the 'Vishwakarmas' will be registered 'free of charge' through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based 'PM Vishwakarma portal'.
The chief minister urged the artisans of the state to avail the benefits, asserting that the launch of the new scheme will strengthen the livelihood means for traditional artisans through efficiency in procurement, logistics, and marketing of products outside the state.
Biren appreciated the PM for introducing such an important scheme, aiming to improve the livelihoods of many talented artisans and craftsmen and scaling up their operations.
He also extended his best wishes to the Prime Minister on his birthday.
The event was attended by some sitting MLAs of Manipur, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, and senior officials of the state government.
The programme included a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address during the launch function held at India International Convention and Expo Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi, and success stories narrated by award-winning artisans of the state.
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