The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show. The scheme, aimed at supporting and providing skill-upgradation training to artisans and craftspeople, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The highest number of applications had come from Karnataka (6.28 lakh), followed by West Bengal (4.04 lakh), Assam (1.83 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (1.53 lakh) and Andhra Pradesh (1.21 lakh). In contrast, 15 States including Haryana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern States have sent less than 10,000 applications each.
Atul Kumar Tewari, Secretary, MSDE, told The Hindu that of 21.15 lakh applications seeking training received till December 1, 9.13 lakh (43%) were from tailors (darzi). “Another 4.72 lakh applications, or 22%, were from masons [mistri], 1.86 lakh [9%] were from carpenters [suthar], and 4% each from basket-makers and barbers [naai],” said Mr. Tewari.
