The ruling DMK, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin, has once again resorted to promoting their old narrative, claiming that the central government’s ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is caste-based and against the principles of social justice. However, this assertion is blatantly false. The scheme’s clear eligibility criteria do not require any caste or religious affiliation; instead, it targets artisans and craftsmen from 18 specific trades.
What’s hypocritical is that the Chief Minister & DMK chief suddenly opposes the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’. At the same time, he remains silent on similar schemes for artisans under the Minority Affairs Ministry, such as the earlier ‘USTTAD’ scheme or ‘PM VIKAS’ scheme. This omission or deliberate disregard shows an apparent inconsistency in their stance.
BJP State Secretary SG Suryah fired back, highlighting the DMK’s alleged double standards and questioning its motives behind rejecting a program that could benefit thousands of artisans in Tamil Nadu.
DMK Opposes Vishwakarma Yojana
On 28 November 2024, DMK chief Stalin, in a statement opposing the central government’s ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’, declared via his official X account that, “The Tamil Nadu Govt will not implement the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form, as it fails to align with the principles of social justice. Instead, we will introduce a more inclusive scheme to empower all artisans, irrespective of caste or family occupation, ensuring holistic and equitable support. As ideological inheritors of leaders who opposed ‘Kula Kalvi Thittam’ we cannot support schemes that perpetuate hereditary caste-based occupations under any guise.”
He added, “Kindly refer to my letter to the Hon’ble PM, expressing the GoTN’s opinion and request for modification in the PM Vishwakarma scheme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME, GoI. In light of the concerns raised that the scheme strenghthens the system of caste based vocation, GoTN had constituted a committee to study the scheme. This committee has recommended modifications to the scheme, which I have brought to the attention of the Hon’ble PM. I have received a reply from the Hon’ble Minister of MSME, GoI with no mention of the modifications suggested. The Government of Tamil Nadu will therefore not be taking forward the implementation of PM Vishwakarma scheme in its present form. However, to empower artisans in TN under the overall principle of social justice , the GoTN has decided to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme for artisans, which does not discriminate based on caste. This schemed will provide holistic support (financial assistance, training) to all artisans in the state, irrespective of caste or family occupations.”
சாதிய அடிப்படையிலான தொழில்முறையை வலுப்படுத்தும் பிரதமரின் விஸ்வகர்மா திட்டத்தைத் தற்போதைய வடிவில் தமிழ்நாடு அரசு செயல்படுத்தாது. அதற்குப் பதிலாக, 'சமூகநீதி அடிப்படையிலான –
சாதியப் பாகுபாடற்ற – அனைத்துக் கைவினைக் கலைஞர்களுக்கும் முழு ஆதரவளிக்கும்' விரிவான திட்டத்தைத் தமிழ்நாடு… pic.twitter.com/DYGHiknqrJ— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) November 28, 2024
BJP Suryah Explains Misconceptions Against PM Vishwakarma Scheme
In response to the CM’s statement, BJP State Secretary SG Suryah issued a condemnation and provided a detailed explanation about the misconceptions in the remarks. Through his official X account, he stated, “We are forced to explain the ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who does politics without understanding it! We would like to clarify again, it is completely wrong for your government to criticize the schemes of the central government for not implementing them for the benefit of the people, Chief Minister Mr.@mkstalin..”
Further, the statement issued by SG Suryah read, “‘The Tamil Nadu government will not take forward the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form. The Tamil Nadu government has decided to formulate a comprehensive scheme to empower the artisans in Tamil Nadu, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, under the overall policy of social justice,’ said Chief Minister Mr. Stalin in today’s statement, another manifestation of political vendetta against the Central Government.”
The primary objective of this central government scheme is to uplift the status of artisans and craftspeople who work using manual labor and traditional tools. An initial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore was made for this scheme to promote the quality of their work. The scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans, skills training, incentives for digital transactions, market-related support and modern tools to artisans and craft workers. But your use of this rhetoric, which you do not adhere to, and linking it to ‘social justice’, repeatedly shows you to be a funny Chief Minister.” He stated.
“Have you forgotten that in 1973, your father, the late Mr. Karunanidhi, started the Handloom Industries Development Corporation under the name “Poompuhar” and it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024? To encourage the artisans of that company, you honor the best artisans of Tamil Nadu by giving awards every year. Isn’t that based on caste? Doesn’t that count as your false and distorted social justice?” He questioned.
“Unlike what you do for publicity, this ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme, conceived by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, is a wonderful scheme that has actually brought light to the lives of artisans… Thus, the aim of the Central Government is to benefit the artisans, not to invite 10 artisans like you and take photos and advertise them..” He further added.
“We want to clarify again, the schemes of the Central Government are being implemented for the benefit of the people. It is completely wrong to criticize government the schemes for not implementing them..Before your government utters the word social justice once again, let the ‘Vengavayal’ come to your mind… Even a school student can easily understand it, unlike you…” He finally said.
‘விஸ்வகர்மா' திட்டம் என்னவென்றே புரியாமல் அரசியல் செய்யும் தமிழக முதல்வருக்கு அதை விளங்க வைக்க வேண்டிய கட்டாயத்தில் இருக்கிறோம்!
மீண்டும் தெளிவுபடுத்த விரும்புகிறோம் மக்கள் பயன்பெற மத்திய அரசின் திட்டங்கள் செயல்படுத்தப்படுகிறது அதனை செயல்படாத உங்கள் அரசு விமர்சிப்பது முற்றிலும்… pic.twitter.com/PsgYnU8F9w
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) November 28, 2024
PM Vishwakarma Scheme
PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on 17th September 2023 by the Prime Minister to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades, viz. Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai), Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhaar), Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker, Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan, Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber (Naai), Garland maker (Malakaar), Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor (Darzi) and Fishing Net Maker.
Benefits
The Scheme envisages provisioning of the following benefits to the artisans and craftspersons:
- Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
- Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
- Toolkit Incentive: An incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
- Credit Support: Collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh with tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively, at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%, with Government of India subvention to the extent of 8%. Beneficiaries who have completed Basic Training will be eligible for the first tranche of credit support of up to Rs. 1 lakh. The second loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed of the 1st tranche and maintained a standard loan account, have adopted digital transactions in their business, or have undergone Advanced Training.
- Incentive for Digital Transaction: Re. 1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions monthly, will be credited to the beneficiary’s account for each digital pay-out or receipt.
- Marketing Support: Marketing support will be provided to the artisans and craftspeople through quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities to improve linkage to the value chain.
Through the Vishwakarma Yojana, the government also wants to help women and people from groups that don’t often get enough support. This includes people from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), those with disabilities, transgender individuals, as well as people living in areas like the North Eastern states, islands, and hilly regions.
Term of Repayment (In months)
1st Tranche loan amount, which can be up to Rs. 1,00,000, has to be repaid in 18 months
2nd Tranche loan amount, which can be up to Rs. 2,00,000, has to be repaid in 30 months
As the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is a central sector scheme, the state government is not required to spend any funds, yet the citizens, particularly those in neglected sectors, stand to benefit significantly. Traditional trades such as Carpenter, Boat Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Garland Make, and Fishing Net Maker are prevalent in Tamil Nadu, and artisans from these sectors will directly benefit from the scheme. For instance, regions like Dindigul, known for lock makers, Madurai, famous for its garland makers, and coastal areas where boat and fishing net makers thrive, are all set to gain from the initiative. This raises the question: Is the DMK concerned that they cannot sticker the scheme and are hesitant to implement it?
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