NEW DELHI: Stating that a state should not arbitrarily reject a scheme for petty political gains, Centre Saturday urged Tamil Nadu govt to reconsider its decision to reject PM’s Vishwakarma scheme, which aims to “uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople”. Minister of state for skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE), Jayant Chaudhary emphasised that the scheme is designed to foster social and economic mobility for individuals engaged in 18 traditional trades and crafts, and is “not caste-oriented”, as alleged by Tamil Nadu.
CM M K Stalin had informed Union minister for MSMEs Jitan Ram Manjhi that Tamil Nadu will not implement the scheme in its current form, citing concerns over caste-based discrimination and a lack of inclusivity. Instead, it plans to develop its own initiative to support artisans.
Stalin also highlighted issues with the scheme’s eligibility criteria, proposing changes such as removing the requirement for applicants’ families to have a history in traditional trades and raising the minimum age for eligibility to 35.
Responding to these concerns, MSDE reiterated inclusivity of the scheme. A statement from the ministry clarified that the scheme transcends caste and gender barriers, offering support for artisans from diverse backgrounds. Nationally, 2.4 crore applications have been received, with Tamil Nadu contributing 8.5 lakh registrations, of which almost 76% are women. It noted that the scheme’s demographic representation includes close to 20% SCs, 7% STs, 50% OBCs, and 23% from general category.
Chaudhary said Tamil Nadu’s rejection of the scheme will deprive its artisans of benefits, urging the state to reconsider what he termed a “partisan approach to governance.”