Advisor Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal reviewed preparations for the rollout of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in the Union Territory of Ladakh, along with the rest of the country on September 17.

The scheme was announced in February this year and aims at improving the quality, scale, and reach of products hand-made by traditional artisans and craftspeople with the help of tools. Under the scheme, the artisans shall be recognised for their works with the help of certification and ID cards and shall be provided credit support, skill upgradation, toolkit incentive, the incentive for digital transactions as well as marketing support.

Director, Industries and Commerce Department, Nazeer Sheikh gave a detailed presentation on the objectives, benefits, and process of enrolling under the scheme. A total of 18 trades have been identified under the scheme and discussions were held on Ladakhi trades that must be included under the scheme to promote and revive many of the traditional trades such as copper/goldsmith, sculptor, basket weaver, carpenters, potter, and footwear artisan, amongst others.

Advisor Dr. Kotwal stated that it is a highly incentivized scheme of the GoI and the scheme must be promoted to benefit the maximum number of beneficiaries.  He further directed the respective Deputy Commissioners to ensure wide publicity of the scheme, identify the maximum number of beneficiaries, and stated that the Panchayat Pradhans must be apprised of their roles and responsibilities pertaining to the dissemination of information about the scheme.

Discussions were also held on the scope of diversification of the existing trades, the inclusion of these trades in the ITIs of Ladakh, etc.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar, Commissioner Secretary Padma Angmo, DC Leh and Kargil, Convenor UTLBC, and other concerned officers of the administration.