GANGTOK: An inauguration programme of the PM Vishwakarma Stall under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, organised by the Block Development Office, Rakdong Tintek Block, in association with the Commerce and Industries Department and MSME-DFO, Gangtok, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, was conducted on September 15 at the NHPC Seminar Hall, Lower Samdong. The programme was held on the theme “Empowering Artisans, Preserving Heritage and Promoting Local Enterprises.”
The programme aimed to promote, showcase and facilitate the marketing of products made by local artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. It was informed that the stall is the first PM Vishwakarma Stall to be inaugurated in the country.
Area MLA-cum-Chairman, STCS, Mr Samdup Bhutia, was the Chief Guest, while Zilla Adhyaksha, Gangtok, Mr Balaram Adhikari, was the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Area MLA-cum-Chairman, STCS, Mr Samdup Bhutia, highlighted various government schemes available for artisans and encouraged them to make full use of the support extended to them. He called upon artisans to increase production, coordinate with the Government and focus on branding and rural marketing. He also stressed the importance of involving local communities in preserving traditional products and maintaining quality standards. He encouraged artisans to participate in government training programmes to enhance their skills, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to society.
Mr Samdup Bhutia urged aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage Sikkim’s organic identity and cited examples of State entrepreneurs who had progressed from job seekers to job creators. He stated that the Government and Commerce and Industries Department would continue to extend support to artisans and local entrepreneurs.
Zilla Adhyaksha, Gangtok, Mr Balaram Adhikari, appreciated the efforts of the organising team and artisans in setting up the stall and renovating the property within a short period. He thanked the Commerce and Industries Department for providing training, tools, loans and marketing support to artisans. He encouraged them to develop new products and utilise government support to reach wider markets across India. He said the stall could serve as a platform for the younger generation to become self-reliant and contribute to the State’s economy. He also highlighted the importance of such schemes in creating opportunities for future generations and contributing to the collective goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Director, MSME, Commerce and Industries Department, Mr M Ravi Kumar, highlighted the end-to-end support provided to traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 family-based trades through various schemes, including PM Vishwakarma. He outlined benefits such as collateral-free credit of up to ₹3 lakh, skill training with a daily stipend of ₹500 and a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000. He also spoke about the Mukhyamantri Udyami Scheme and encouraged artisans to market their products to promote their work and create wider opportunities for the artisan community.
Assistant Director, Grade I, MSME-DFO, Mr Nirmal Chowdhary, stated that the stall was the first PM Vishwakarma Stall in Sikkim and the country. He suggested developing it as a tourist point to promote local artisans and their products.
Team Lead, SIPMU, Mr Joydeep Chakraborty, spoke about the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Sikkim and the support extended by the Government to local artisans through community knowledge initiatives and toolkits. He urged the community to maintain and safeguard the stall for the benefit of future generations.
During the programme, recognition and allotment letters were handed over to five beneficiaries and artisans. The Chief Guest also visited the stall and interacted with the artisans.
The welcome address was delivered by Block Development Officer, Mr Puskar Khatiwara, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Kumar Chettri, Staff, GPU.
The programme was attended by Panchayat members, representatives from DIC Gangtok, local youth and craftsmen, officials of the Commerce and Industries Department and other stakeholders.
- IPR Report
