Tamil Nadu Won’t Implement PM Vishwakarma Scheme, Stalin Seeks Modification

Highlighting concerns that PM Vishwakarma Scheme reinforces caste-based vocations, Stalin urged for modifications to make it more inclusive and aligned with the principles of social justice.

Stalin revealed that he received a response from the Union Minister for MSME on March 15, 2024, but it did not address the modifications suggested by the state.

Source : X

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi stating that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will not be implemented in the state in its current form. Highlighting concerns that the scheme reinforces caste-based vocations, Stalin urged for modifications to make it more inclusive and aligned with the principles of social justice.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, Stalin said, "In light of the concerns raised that the scheme strengthens the system of caste-based vocation, the Government of Tamil Nadu constituted a committee to study the scheme. This committee, after detailed study and analysis, has recommended the following modifications, which I have brought to the attention of the Hon'ble Prime Minister."

The key recommendations proposed by the committee include removing the requirement for applicants to be traditionally engaged in family-based trades and instead making all individuals pursuing listed occupations eligible for assistance. Raising the minimum age to 35 years to ensure only those making informed decisions to continue in family trades benefit from the scheme. The onus of verification of the beneficiaries in rural areas be vested with the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) from Department instead of the head of the Gram Panchayat.

 

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has written to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi informing him that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will not be implemented in the state in its present form and requesting for modification to the scheme pic.twitter.com/87qOO7wWm5

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024

 

Stalin revealed that he received a response from the Union Minister for MSME on March 15, 2024, but it did not address the modifications suggested by the state. In light of this, the Tamil Nadu government has decided not to implement the scheme in its current form.

To address the needs of artisans across the state, CM Stalin announced the development of a separate, inclusive scheme by the Tamil Nadu government. "To empower artisans in Tamil Nadu under the overall principle of social justice, the government has decided to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme for artisans, which does not discriminate based on caste or family occupation," he said.

Stalin said: "This scheme will provide holistic support to all artisans in the State, irrespective of caste or family occupations. Such a scheme will serve to provide them with financial assistance, training and all required support for their development, more comprehensively and inclusively."