The Tamil Nadu government has decided not to implement the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma scheme in its current form. Instead, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the state would develop a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme to empower artisans without caste-based discrimination. This announcement was made in a letter to Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Wednesday.In the letter, Stalin referred to his previous communication dated January 4 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he had requested modifications to the scheme. Stalin expressed concern that the response he received from the Union MSME Minister on March 15, 2024, did not address the changes suggested by the Tamil Nadu government.
The Chief Minister pointed to the recommendations of a state-formed committee, which examined potential modifications to the Vishwakarma scheme. The committee had concluded that the scheme’s current form, which includes criteria based on caste and family occupations, should be revised. As a result, Tamil Nadu will not move forward with the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma scheme as it stands.
Instead, Stalin stated that the Tamil Nadu government would introduce a new scheme designed to be more inclusive and supportive of artisans across the state, irrespective of caste. The new initiative will provide financial assistance, training, and other necessary resources to empower artisans from all backgrounds.
The state committee suggested removing the existing requirement for applicants to have a family tradition in a particular trade. The new proposal would allow any individual pursuing any of the trades listed in the guidelines to benefit from the scheme. Furthermore, the committee recommended increasing the minimum age criterion to 35 years, ensuring that only individuals who have consciously chosen to continue their family trade can avail of the scheme’s benefits. Additionally, the verification of beneficiaries in rural areas should be handled by Village Administrative Officers (VAOs) rather than the head of the gram panchayat, the committee proposed.
The Tamil Nadu government’s decision reflects its commitment to providing equal opportunities for artisans and ensuring that their development is inclusive, holistic, and free from caste-based restrictions.