On the launch of this scheme, programs will be organized by the government on Sunday at about 70 places in different parts of the country to spread wide awareness among the beneficiaries. Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Parshottam Rupala in the program organized in Mangalore, Karnataka. Will be the chief guest.
More than 600 artisans and craftsmen will participate in this special occasion at the Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Center in Mangalore. These will include traditional boat makers, fishing net makers, goldsmiths, carpenters, sculptors, tailors and potters etc.
The arts and crafts of India are distinctive, rich in antiquity, values and convictions. Traditional artisans and craftsmen, commonly known as ‘Vishwakarmas’, work in an artistic capacity. These artisans create objects with their hands using traditional tools and techniques.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will launch this scheme at the India International Convention and Expo Center (IICC) located in Dwarka in the capital.
The Central Government had announced the launch of ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme in the Union Budget 2023-24. The financial outlay for this scheme has been kept at Rs 13,000 crore from financial year 2023-24 to financial year 2027-28.
The objective of the scheme is to promote and strengthen the practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftsmen working with their hands and tools and to improve the quality as well as accessibility of their products and services.
18 traditional crafts will be covered in the scheme
18 traditional crafts will be covered under ‘PM Vishwakarma’. These include carpenters (carpenters), boat makers, gunsmiths, blacksmiths, hammer and toolkit makers, locksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors (stone carvers), stone breakers, tanners/shoe makers/footwear artisans, masons, basket/ Includes mat/broom makers, doll and toy makers (traditional), barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors and fishing net makers.