New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) The Centre's flagship scheme, PM Vishwakarma, is set for implementation in West Bengal, the MSME Ministry said on Friday, days after the newly elected BJP-led government in the state
gave its go-ahead.
Dr Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner (MSME), in the Union Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, met the state's Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal on Friday in this regard.
The West Bengal government has decided to implement Ayushman Bharat and roll out major Central welfare schemes across the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced after the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BJP government last week.
The process has begun to actively implement major central government schemes in the state, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishak Bima Yojana, PM SHRI, Vishwakarma Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Ujjwala Yojana.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched by the Ministry of MSME on 17 September 2023, and recently the Government of West Bengal has issued a notification for the constitution of the State Monitoring Committee and also the District Implementation Committees for the roll-out of PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal.
"Discussions were held on accelerating the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma, improving beneficiary identification, strengthening skill development and ensuring wider outreach among traditional artisans and craftspeople. The interaction also focused on the implementation of other MSME schemes in the State and strategies for strengthening the MSME ecosystem through enhanced coordination and institutional support," an official statement said.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the continued support of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, towards strengthening MSME development in West Bengal and reiterated the State Government's commitment for effective implementation of Central sector schemes, the statement added.
A meeting was also held with Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal and state functionaries wherein the modalities for outreach and implementation of PM Vishwakarma was detailed to the state officials and the bankers.
Dr Rajneesh highlighted the importance of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in preserving India's traditional skills and empowering artisans through modern tools, formal financial access, and improved market opportunities.
He noted that West Bengal, with its rich heritage of traditional crafts and artisan communities, has significant potential for the successful implementation of the scheme. There are 7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople currently enrolled under PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal. PTI RSN MR
