BARAMULLA: The District Administration Baramulla in collaboration with MSME and Skill Development, District Industries Wednesday organized a one-day awareness programme on the PM Vishwakarma scheme to enlighten the stakeholders about the scheme's benefits.

Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Baramulla, Syed Qamar Sajad was the chief guest on the occasion.

The awareness programme witnessed the participation of various dignitaries including Chief Planning Officer, General Manager District Industries Baramulla, Principal ITI Baramulla, members of the District Implementation Committee, Panchayat Secretaries, ITI Master Trainers and other stakeholders, including beneficiaries of the scheme.

During the event, the key features and advantages of the PM Vishwakarma scheme were highlighted.

ADDC emphasized the importance of implementing the scheme effectively to cover eligible beneficiaries across the district in all identified trades. He urged officers and officials of concerned departments to adopt a people-friendly approach to strengthen local job opportunities at the grassroots level.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Director Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (GIO), Vineet Sexena informed that, PM Vishwakarma scheme has been launched on 17th Sep 2023 by the Prime Minister under which 18 categories of artisans have been covered.

He informed the gathering that after registration at CSC and verification by authorities, Vishwakarmas would be eligible for various benefits, including a toolkit worth Rs. 15,000 and collateral-free loans up to Rs. 3 lakh at just 5% interest rate.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates among Vishwakarmas who completed basic training courses at ITI Baramulla.