Jammu, Sep 18: Priya Sethi, National Executive Member Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former minister, while welcoming the PM Vishwakarma scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it will play a vital role in uplifting the living standards of the underprivileged people across the nation.
In a statement issued here, the former minister said the launch of this scheme on Vishwakarma Day clearly establishes that the workforce or the labour class, especially the crafts persons and artisans have great significance in PM Narendra Modi’s vision of creating New India.
Elaborating on the niceties of this latest rolled-out scheme, Priya said that under this scheme, traditional craftsmen and artisans will be provided loan assistance at a minimal interest rate without the need for any collateral security. She said the scheme has an initial financial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore for a period of five years and will benefit about 30 lakh families of traditional artisans and craftsmen, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers. “Thus it is evident that each and every person in this underprivileged class be it the manufacturer, retailer or the service provider has been taken due care of by the PM Modi-led government at the Centre,” she said.
The senior BJP leader said the peculiarity of this scheme is that it also entails benefits of recognition as Vishwakarma by issuing a certificate and ID card of skill verification. Not only this, it will also provide 5-7 days of basic training as well as 15 days of advanced training with a stipend of Rs 500 per day to those interested in availing this benefit. She said the Prime Minister deserves full appreciation for launching of this scheme, the ultimate goal of which is to enhance the accessibility and quality of products and services offered by traditional artisans and craftsmen.
The former minister appealed to all those connected with the arts and crafts besides other skill trades and services to come forward and avail the benefit of this scheme that serves the dual purpose of financing as well as training. “This scheme is the latest one in the series of social security schemes rolled by the BJP government during its twin tenure. It is the priority accorded to social security that has brought unprecedented success for the incumbent BJP government,” he said.
Dr Akshay, Corporator Ward No 8, expressed confidence that the BJP will be “yet again voted to power by the people with a big bang for the third consecutive term on the basis of its performance duly acknowledged by the people of the world’s largest democracy”.
