New Delhi, February 13: In a significant move, Dr. K. Lakshman, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party, called for the expansion of the ‘Prime Minister Vishwakarma’ scheme during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. He praised the initiative and emphasized the need for a more robust implementation of its second phase.
While addressing the house, Dr. Lakshman stated that this scheme represents a crucial step towards realizing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj. He described it as a historic initiative launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the core principles of ‘respect, empowerment, and prosperity.’ The Prime Minister Vishwakarma scheme aims to empower traditional artisans and laborers by providing them with recognition, training, toolkits, and collateral-free loans. To date, 1.2 million toolkits have been distributed under this initiative.
Additionally, collateral-free loans have been provided, benefiting 518,000 recipients so far. Dr. Lakshman reiterated that this scheme is a tangible step towards fulfilling the dreams of our revered Bapu, Mahatma Gandhi, particularly in terms of Gram Swaraj and the concept of Ram Rajya. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, this historic initiative was launched with the mantra of respect, empowerment, and prosperity.
He emphasized that this scheme is not merely a government program but a testament to the unwavering commitment to empower rural and marginalized communities. For decades, our traditional artisans, who form the backbone of our rural and informal economy, have been deprived of formal recognition and support. This initiative provides respect and opportunities to traditional craftsmen such as carpenters, goldsmiths, masons, blacksmiths, sculptors, potters, barbers, garland makers, washers, and tailors through a comprehensive plan for the first time.
The scheme offers extensive support, including skill enhancement, modern toolkits, collateral-free loans, encouragement of digital transactions, brand promotion, and market linkage. As a result, these artisans are connecting with the mainstream and emerging as true developers of the rural economy. Dr. Lakshman noted that these achievements are highly inspiring. By 2025, over 3 million registrations have been recorded, with approximately 54% from Other Backward Classes and about 27% from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities.
In Telangana alone, over 89,000 artisans have registered, with nearly 63,000 completing skill training. Across the country, 5,040 skill centers are driving this mission forward, reflecting the public’s trust in the scheme. The Prime Minister Vishwakarma scheme is not just a program; it is a mission for the renaissance of India’s traditional craft culture.
Dr. Lakshman urged the government to expand the second phase of this scheme in a more empowered manner. Millions of artisans across the country are awaiting the continuity of this initiative, eager to become self-reliant and contribute to the journey of making India a prosperous nation.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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