Answer:

Introduction:

India, with its rich cultural heritage, boasts a diverse array of traditional crafts and artisans. However, with rapid modernization, the survival and sustainability of these crafts and their practitioners have come under threat. Recognizing the importance of preserving these skills, the Central Government has launched the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

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Objectives of the Scheme:

• Strengthening Guru-Shishya Parampara:
  • Focus on family-based practice of traditional skills.
  • Preserving the age-old traditions by passing them to younger generations.
  • For example, a traditional kumhaar (potter) teaching his techniques to his apprentice, ensuring the continuity of the craft.
• Improving Quality and Reach:
  • Upgradation of skills and techniques used by artisans.
  • Broadening the market access for products and services of artisans.
  • For instance, a traditional sonar (goldsmith) adopting new designs to appeal to modern tastes.
• Integrating with Value Chains:
  • Ensuring artisans are part of both domestic and global value chains.
  • Strengthening the supply chain mechanism for better market connectivity.
  • For example, a suthar (carpenter) getting a platform to sell his handcrafted furniture to international markets.
• Recognition and Credit Support:
  • Providing artisans with formal recognition through certificates and ID cards.
  • Extending credit support to artisans at a concessional interest rate.
  • For instance, a moortikar (sculptor) availing credit to purchase better-quality raw materials.
• Skill Upgradation and Incentives:
  • Providing necessary training to artisans to upgrade their skills.
  • Incentivizing digital transactions and offering toolkits.
  • For example, a darzi (tailor) receiving training to adopt computerized embroidery techniques.

Potential Impact of the Scheme:

• Economic Upliftment:
  • Enhanced earning potential due to skill upgradation and better market reach.
  • Access to credit will boost entrepreneurial ventures among artisans.
• Preservation of Culture:
  • Continued and enhanced practice of traditional trades.
  • Passing down of trades through generations ensures cultural preservation.
• Integration into Mainstream Economy:
  • Recognizing and formalizing the traditionally informal sector.
  • Encouraging digital transactions will bring artisans into the digital economy fold.
• Increased Employment Opportunities:
  • As traditional crafts get a boost, more opportunities arise in the sector.
  • Potential to attract younger generations to take up traditional crafts as a profession.

Challenges Faced by Artisan Communities beyond Access to Credit:

• Modern Technology and Mechanization:
  • Machine-made products often overshadow handmade products in terms of production speed and consistency.
  • For example, factory-produced pots versus traditionally crafted pots by a kumhaar.
• Changing Consumer Preferences:
  • Modern consumers often prefer contemporary designs and materials.
  • For instance, preference for machine-made shoes over traditionally crafted shoes by a charmkar.
• Lack of Marketing and Branding:
  • Limited understanding and means to market products effectively.
  • Absence of a strong brand identity for many traditional crafts.
• Raw Material Challenges:
  • Fluctuations in the availability and price of raw materials.
  • For example, scarce availability of specific woods for a suthar.
• Absence of Formal Education:
  • Many artisans lack formal education, limiting their ability to innovate and adapt to modern business practices.
• Urbanization:
  • Rapid urbanization leading to a decrease in demand for traditional crafts in urban areas.
  • Artisans migrating to cities for alternate employment opportunities.

Conclusion: 

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, with its multifaceted approach, promises to rejuvenate the traditional crafts sector in India. While it addresses the financial needs, it is equally crucial to tackle challenges like changing consumer preferences and modernization. Only a holistic approach, addressing both financial and non-financial challenges, can ensure a thriving and sustainable future for India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople.

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