Answer:

Introduction            

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of MSMEs targets the upliftment of artisans across eighteen traditional trades  like blacksmithing, carpentry, gold smithery, and sculpting with a focus on preserving cultural legacies and integrating them into international value chains and the formal economy.

Body 

It will push people on the path of self-reliance and create better employment opportunities for the youth through 

• Financial Empowerment: With collateral-free credit for support of up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, it enables artisans to innovate and expand, thus fostering entrepreneurial skills and financial independence.
• Skill Development: A financial outlay of Rs. 13,000 crore has been sanctioned for a period of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28) signals robust support for upgrading skills. Artisans receiving Rs 500 daily for training become more employable and capable of innovating within their trades.
• Inclusive Outreach: Targeting 18 traditional trades, the scheme ensures that a wide spectrum of cultural crafts is rejuvenated, offering varied employment prospects for the youth.
• Registration Accessibility: By enabling registrations through common service centres, the scheme lowers entry barriers, directly benefiting young craftspeople keen on preserving their heritage.
• Marketing Amplification: With the National Committee for Marketing providing branding and e-commerce linkages, artisans can reach wider markets, increasing job opportunities in marketing and sales within these sectors.
• Digital Incentives: The scheme promotes digital transactions, providing Rs 1 per transaction up to 100 monthly transactions, encouraging a tech-savvy approach that appeals to the digitally native youth.

Concern associated with the scheme 

• Outdated Data: The scheme’s reliance on data from the last crafts census, conducted over a decade ago, risks basing decisions on an outdated understanding of the sector. Eg: evolving nature of occupations like Kancheepuram silk weavers may not be accurately represented in current policy-making.
• Caste-Based Occupation Reinforcement: There’s a risk that the scheme might entrench caste-based roles. Eg: communities traditionally involved in pottery or weaving might feel compelled to stay within those roles rather than explore new, potentially more profitable opportunities, like technology-driven design.
• Wage Issues: Artisans, such as those in the brass work of Moradabad, often struggle with low wages that are not directly addressed by the scheme, potentially limiting the appeal of these crafts to younger generations looking for viable livelihoods.
• Economic Viability: The scheme’s credit facilities may not be enough to ensure the survival of crafts that have niche markets, such as Channapatna toys, which face stiff competition from mass-produced goods and lack adequate market penetration.

Suitable way ahead in this regard

• Data Modernization: Launch well updated craft sector census to reflect current demographics and market trends, allowing for more informed policy-making that addresses the present-day realities of artisans.
• Breaking Caste Stereotypes: Promote the scheme across various communities to avoid reinforcing caste-based occupational stereotypes. Introduce initiatives that encourage artisans from all backgrounds to explore diverse crafts and break traditional caste barriers.
• Recognition of Traditional Education: Take inspiration from Japan’s “Living National Treasure” system, recognizing the value of traditional education and giving formal acknowledgment to the Guru-Shishya tradition.
• Fair Wage System: Implement a minimum wage policy specific to the crafts sector to ensure artisans receive fair compensation, preventing the erosion of traditional crafts due to financial unsustainability.
• Technological Integration: Introduce technology workshops for artisans, teaching them to use digital tools to design, market, and sell their products online, thereby aligning traditional crafts with modern business practices.
• Financial Literacy Programs: Conduct workshops on financial management and entrepreneurship, enabling artisans to better manage credit facilities, invest wisely, and expand their businesses.
• Quality Enhancement Training: Introduce quality standards akin to the ISO certifications for products, ensuring artisans’ goods meet market expectations and can command better prices.
• Innovation Incubators: Establish craft innovation hubs where traditional artisans can collaborate with designers, technologists, and business experts to create new products that reflect a fusion of tradition and modernity. 
• Sustainable Practices Promotion: Taking inspiration from the global ‘Fair Trade’ movement, encouraging the use of sustainable materials and practices that not only preserve the environment but also appeal to a global audience seeking ethical products.

Conclusion 

Overall, if implemented properly, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, with its well-conceived framework and strategic direction, holds the promise of revitalising India’s rich artisanal legacy while paving a sustainable path towards economic empowerment and inclusive growth for the youth and future generations.