‘Now this network has been dismantled’
*Some forces never allowed merit, talent to flourish
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Sept 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said the conflict profiteers have constructed their houses in foreign countries, sent their children abroad for studies and made the poor suffer but declared that their network and ecosystem have been dismantled.
Sinha made the remarks while attending the launch of ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually in New Delhi, at the UT-level function organized in Srinagar. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore was also present.
“Conflict profiteers have constructed their houses in foreign countries, sent their children abroad for studies and made the poor suffer. We have decimated that ecosystem and dismantled the network of such conflict profiteers,’’ Sinha said at the function.
Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, a tailor from Srinagar, was among the beneficiaries who received an identity card under the Vishwakarma scheme from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today. An expert in traditional ‘pheran’ (a cloak worn in Kashmir to ward off the winter chill), Fayaz has been working for the last 40 years with single-minded pursuit of excellence in this traditional art.
Fayaz is among the 30 lakh beneficiaries whom the Government plans to help under the scheme over the next five years.
“We have overcome many challenges in the last three years to bring peace and prosperity in the life of the common man,’’ the Lieutenant Governor said.
He referred to the efforts being made by the UT Government to bring transparency and accountability in the governance process.
Asserting that those who never allowed talent, merit and hard work to flourish now have problem with transparent, honest and accountable system in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said he wants to tell them that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rights of the people will always be safeguarded.
“Only merit will be promoted and ecosystem of good governance and transparency will be further strengthened,’’ he added.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore, who was also present at the launch of ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ in Srinagar, called for connecting maximum traditional artistes and craftspeople with the Scheme.
Kishore commended the progress registered by Jammu and Kashmir under various schemes and also assured all support and assistance to the women folks in establishing industrial units.
Sinha said the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ will directly benefit thousands of artisans of Jammu and Kashmir working with their hands and tools.
“Our outstanding artisans with creativity and hard work have not only preserved the priceless heritage, diverse culture and traditions but also kept the wheels of socio-economic growth moving. These hardworking hands are the strength of the progressive society,” Sinha said.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme honours the traditional skills of craftspeople and their exemplary commitment and dedication. It will ensure the Vishwakarmas are provided with financial assistance and skill up-gradation and they are integrated with national and global value chains, he said.
Traditionally, Vishwakarmas are considered the drivers of growth. They are the personification of artistic power, lords of the arts, creators of diverse crafts and builders of enterprises, the Lieutenant Governor said.
“Unfortunately, a discriminatory system existed in Jammu and Kashmir for decades that has imprisoned the aspirations of communities engaged in traditional skills,’’ he added.
Sinha said the administration — under the guidance of the Prime Minister — is working to empower poor and deprived sections of society.
“I am confident that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will bring revolutionary transformation in the lives of our Vishwakarmas,” he said.
The Lt Governor highlighted the key initiatives taken by his administration for the socio-economic development of the families engaged in traditional skills and handicrafts and handloom sectors.
Handloom and handicrafts are emerging as two very important pillars of our economy. The Government has recognised more than 29 other crafts and brought them under the ambit of handicrafts and handloom sector, he said.
PM Vishwakarma will be fully funded by the Union Government with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore.
Under the scheme, the Vishwakarmas will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using biometric based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.
The Scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice and cover the eighteen traditional crafts including Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Stonebreaker, Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan), Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber, Garland maker, Washerman, Tailor and Fishing Net Maker.
Aftab Malik, Chairman, District Development Council Srinagar; Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary Science & Technology; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce; R K Dhiman, ADG,CPWD, HoDs, Political leaders, officers of UT administration, large number of craftspeople and artisans were present at the UT level function.