State Level Banker’s Committee, Assam is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the workshop dedicated to the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma initiative, held on 17.08.2024 at Assam Administrative Staff College. This pivotal event brought together Banks, Beneficiaries, Lead District Managers, District Industry Centre, Dept. of industries and Commerce, Govt. of Assam, NPCI for digital payments, KVIC, NABARD and experts from related domain to explore opportunities, share knowledge, and advance the goals of this transformative initiative.
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma initiative, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister, aims to provide critical support to artisans, craftsmen, and small entrepreneurs, acknowledging their vital role in our economy and culture. The workshop was designed to empower these individuals with the resources, financial tools, and insights needed to enhance their skills and expand their businesses. Dr. S. Lakshmanan, Secretary, Dept. of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Assam, in his address, highlighted varied aspects of the scheme. He informed the house that as on July 2024, total 7,60,425 applications have been received in all GPs and ULBs across the state, out of which 50,286 are approved. Among the approved applicants, 31,866 candidates have already been trained.
Shri Amaresh Kumar Jha, General Manager, State Bank of India and Convenor of SLBC remarked that Banks being the financial backbone of the nation are to ensure that every individual with a vision and a drive has the chance to turn their dreams into reality. This event has reinforced the commitment to support the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma initiative and ensure that every artisan and entrepreneur has the resources they need to succeed.
Shri Evan T. Munsong, Deputy General Manager, NABARD suggested capacity building, market linkage and aggregating the beneficiaries as per skill for successful implementation of the scheme and ensured all support from NABARD in this regard.
This workshop was meant for the collaborative effort between Banks, Government bodies, Digital Payment aggregators and the artisan community. The loan under the scheme is having the benefit of CGTMSE coverage and no collateral (Tranche 1 Loan upto Rs.1 lakh for 18 months and Tranche 2 loan upto 2 Lakhs for 30 months). SBI as the Convenor Bank remains dedicated to advance the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma initiative and will continue to provide ongoing support and resources to help our beneficiaries achieve their goals.