As the Central government is all set to launch the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma scheme on September 17, at least one lakh artisan families in Odisha are expected to benefit.
The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India. Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. These include (i) Carpenter; (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith ; (v) Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; (vi) Locksmith; (vii) Goldsmith; (viii) Potter; (ix) Sculptor, Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan); (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); (xiv) Barber; (xv) Garland maker; (xvi) Washerman; (xvii) Tailor; and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker.
The PM Vishwakarma 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 biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.
Idol maker and painter Jharana Mohapatra in Jeypore said, “I will be more than happy if included in the scheme. It will help us keep the craft alive.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Puri are going to organise programmes celebrating the scheme’s launch. The decision has attracted criticism from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress.
While the BJP said it is a masterstroke, both the BJD and Congress termed it as a ploy to influence voters.
“The scheme will be launched by PM Modi at the Centre, while Union Ministers including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate it in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Puri. As many as 30 lakh people in India will be included in the scheme in the first phase,” said BJP MP Pratap Sarangi.
In response, ruling BJD MLA, Parshuram Dhada said, “The centre has just woken up from deep slumber. This scheme is launched in view of the next elections. It will have no effect on the voters.”
Similarly, Congress’ Santosh Singh Saluja said, “The Centre has launched this scheme only because of the elections. But I am sure this will have no effect on the people of Odisha. The voters do not want to vote for the BJP irrespective of the schemes they launch.”