The Tamil Nadu government has made headlines by declining to implement the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form. This bold move stems from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s concerns about the scheme’s inherent limitations and its potential to perpetuate caste-based professions.The Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Union Government, aims to promote traditional industries and skilled artisans. However, Tamil Nadu argues that the program lacks inclusivity and imposes restrictions that conflict with modern ideas of equality. The scheme mandates applicants to belong to families traditionally engaged in certain professions, a criterion that the Tamil Nadu government sees as reinforcing caste-based occupational roles. It also includes strict age limits that may exclude deserving candidates.
In a letter to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Stalin emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering social justice. He proposed a revised approach that ensures equal opportunities for all artisans, irrespective of caste or family background. To achieve this, Tamil Nadu has formed a committee to evaluate the scheme and recommend changes, such as removing family-based trade requirements and modifying eligibility criteria. The state plans to roll out its own inclusive artisan welfare program, emphasizing skill development and fair resource distribution.
