Principal Secretary,UT Ladakh, Sanjeev Khirwar chaired a seminar cum awareness programme on PM Vishwakarma scheme, its registration process, and approval process in the DC conference hall on March 11. Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve was also present.

The primary objective of the seminar was to enhance the registration process and maximize the inclusion of beneficiaries within the scheme.

Participants were informed about the provisions made available for training, the provision of toolkits, and access to credit and market support for eligible individuals under the Vishwakarma scheme.

Principal Secretary emphasized on the need to engage more individuals and disseminate awareness to ensure a wider uptake of the scheme's benefits. He added that all relevant information about the scheme  should reach the intended beneficiaries and that the primary goal is to foster and encourage the creativity of individuals in Ladakh. 

He added that the scheme aims to ensure the continuity of traditional crafts by equipping artisans with the necessary skills and knowledge to not only sustain but also thrive in their respective crafts.

Discussing the objective of the scheme, he emphasized that the preservation of traditional crafts relies on having well-trained individuals who can demonstrate to the world the economic viability of continuing their ancestral professions.

While celebrating these accomplishments, Principal Secretary also highlighted the challenges such as addressing both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of training, establishing a feedback mechanism, enhancing publicity through social media and other channels, and encouraging greater participation of women in the scheme.

Deputy Commissioner, Leh Santosh Sukhadeve commended the concerted efforts of those involved in making the Vishwakarma scheme accessible to the public. He added that the significant number of applications received and approved is a remarkable achievement for the region.

The meeting was attended by District Panchayat Officer, Leh; Block Development Officer, Leh ; Superintendent of ITI, Leh ;Superintendent of Handloom, Assistant Director of Handicraft, Executive Officer,  Municipal Committee, and the C2 District Manager of CSC, Leh.