Tamil Nadu won't implement PM Vishwakarma scheme: MK Stalin tells Union Minister

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin writes to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, stating the state will not adopt the PM Vishwakarma scheme, emphasising the need for a more inclusive and socially just alternative for artisans.

In Short

• Tamil Nadu rejects PM Vishwakarma scheme in current form
• MK Stalin proposes an inclusive artisan support scheme
• Tamil Nadu calls for non-discriminatory assistance for all artisans

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has formally written to Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister for MSMEs, informing him that the state government will not move forward with the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma scheme in its current form.

In his letter, Chief Minister Stalin explained that while the scheme aims to empower artisans, the Tamil Nadu government believes it needs to be more inclusive and aligned with the state's principles of social justice.

The state government has expressed concerns that the existing structure of the scheme discriminates based on caste and does not adequately address the needs of all artisans in Tamil Nadu. To address this, Stalin stated that Tamil Nadu will develop its own scheme, which will provide a more inclusive and comprehensive framework for artisans across the state.

This decision follows a detailed study of the PM Vishwakarma scheme by a state-appointed committee. Stalin had earlier requested modifications to the scheme from Prime Minister Modi. One of the key changes proposed was the removal of the mandatory requirement for an applicant’s family to be engaged in a traditional trade. Instead, the state government suggested that anyone pursuing a listed occupation should be eligible for assistance, regardless of their family background.

In addition, the Tamil Nadu government proposed raising the minimum age criterion for applicants to 35, allowing only those who have made an informed decision to continue their family trade to benefit from the scheme. The state also recommended that the verification of beneficiaries be handled by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) from the revenue department rather than the head of the Gram Panchayat.

With the Union Government declining to consider these modifications, Chief Minister Stalin emphasised that the state would not implement the PM Vishwakarma scheme in its present form. He assured that Tamil Nadu would develop an alternative scheme that offers holistic support to artisans, including financial assistance, training, and other necessary resources for their development, without any caste-based discrimination.

“This scheme will provide holistic support to all artisans in the state, irrespective of caste or family occupations. It will offer financial assistance, training, and all required support for their development, in a more comprehensive and inclusive manner,” Stalin concluded in his letter to the Union Minister.