Nagaland also observed ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme on the occasion of ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’, under which traditional craftsmen and artisans will be provided collateral-free loans at a minimal interest rate.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan has said that ‘PM Viswakarma Scheme’ is not just a government program, but a movement that would bringabout a sea of change in the lives of the citizens.
Addressing the gathering at the launching programme at Hotel de Oriental Grand, Kohima, Balyan said the scheme was a brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that embodied the unwavering commitment of the government to empower India’s skilled workforce and propel the country towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
He asserted that people all over the country had gathered to celebrate the scheme that would transform the lives of artisans and workers. “This initiative aims to harness the boundless potential of our workforce, especially those engaged in the informal sector but have traditional rich talent, and provide them with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving global landscape,” he said.
He pointed out that India possessed an incredibly diverse and talented workforce, adding that the nation’s skill diversity was a treasure trove.
Balyan said that the scheme recognised the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling in a rapidly-changing world, especially in today’s fast-paced global environment where technology advanced at an unprecedented rate.
He maintained that it was imperative that the country’s workforce remained adaptable and well-prepared to seize the emerging opportunities.
He said through the PM Vishwakarma, the government was providing avenues for skill development and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and creativity, and ultimately ensuring a better livelihood for citizens, adding that the programmed offered a comprehensive package of benefits.
Balyan also said some of the benefits included skill development, access to finance, technology adoption, market linkages and social security among others. The minister said he was reminded of the immense potential that of the nation, including the Northeast.
Noting that Nagas have a history of making their own tools and equipment, including dao, spears, necklace, tattoos, weaving, traditional dolls, bangles, etc, Balyan said under the scheme, artisans could avail financial support for using better tools and methods that would help them in saving time and improving the quality of their product.
“Traditionally, Nagas have been making their own houses. With these skills, local builders and artisans would be promoted under the scheme that is being launched for 18 trades, which would make the people of Nagaland tech-savvy and global. Our skilled workforce, our rich cultural heritage, and our unwavering spirit are our greatest assets,” he stated.
The minister therefore, urged upon people , including the artisans, entrepreneurs, young students and professionals, to explore the opportunities provided by the scheme. He thanked the people of Nagaland for their hospitality and unwavering support.
In his speech, Labour, Employment & Skill Development adviser Moatoshi Longkumer remarked that skilled artisans and craftspeople, who were self-employed and operating in the informal sector, and collectively known as “Vishwakarmas”, contributed significantly to the Indian economy.
Moatoshi said these artisans were involved in a diverse range of trades such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, sculpting and more specialised skills that typically were passed on across generation through traditional mentor-student model, fostering a rich heritage of craftsmanship within families and informal artisan communities. He mentioned that Nagaland had immense potential for micro- entrepreneurship ventures that could address unemployment.
While the Naga population depended on government jobs as a source of sustainable livelihood, Moatoshi pointed out that the saturation of jobs in the government sector, combined with a lack of industrial activities and absence of organised private sector in the state limited employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
With unemployment on the rise, he said entrepreneurship was being regarded as a key to address it.
Hence, he urged the people to explore a path to economic upliftment through revival and promotion of traditional skills that might seem unconventional in the rapidly digitising world.
“Nagaland has a large reservoir of traditional skills that encompassed a wide range of crafts, from artisanal pottery to handloom weaving, from woodworking to traditional agriculture, and many more. These skills have been honed over centuries and offer a wealth of untapped potential for economic growth and empowerment,” the adviser elaborated.
He said that PM Vishwakarma was custom made for Nagaland that perfectly fitted into the social and customary practices that had the potential to change the economic scenario of the state.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by commissioner & secretary Industries and Commerce K Kevichusa IPos, while vote of thanks was proposed by NEEPCO Ltd director (finance) Baidyanath Maharana.The programme was chaired by Vitono (Gugu) Haralu.