To support traditional artisans and craftsmen in improving their livelihoods, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organized a one-day workshop on October 27, 2023. The workshop was dedicated to implementing the skill development component of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
The workshop’s main objective is to take a multidisciplinary approach to streamline and accelerate the process of identifying and enlisting training institutions responsible for delivering skill training under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on engaging experienced and respected artisans from SAMAJ to serve as both master trainers and trainers, following the Guru-Shishya Parampara tradition when providing training.
The workshop saw the participation of various key entities, including senior officials from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). It also included representatives from Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs), Regional and State Engagement Teams, Directorate General of Training (DGT), National Council of Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, said, “Guided by the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering our workforce through skill development, for it is in the mastery of skills that we shape the future of our nation. Our discussion at the workshop today reinforces the need for developing the competency-based framework, pinning down skills at the district level, and developing capacity-building programs for trainers to improve the reach, quality, and accessibility of skilling schemes aligned with market demand. These outcome-driven interventions will bring us closer to our dream of enabling artisans to showcase their products on a global scale. I am confident that equipping artisans with financial aid, strengthening training infrastructure, and fostering innovation will help them establish their own enterprises and become a vibrant part of society.”
The analysis of applications received through the PM Vishwakarma portal reveals that the top 5 trades account for a significant 81% of the total applications. To empower artisans with modern skills, tools, and designs at the grassroots level, MSDE will offer upfront financial support of 2 lakh per centre for each trade to establish training facilities. Additionally, the ministry will utilize the extensive network of Common Service Centres (CSCs) to enhance awareness and increase beneficiary registrations in both rural and urban areas. Simultaneously, collaborative efforts with state and government skilling institutions will be made to expand teacher training and infrastructure capacity.
During the workshop, a session was conducted to enhance the capacity of the participants, ensuring they become acquainted with the features of the Skill India Digital Platform. This session also featured demonstrations of various dashboards and their respective functions.
