Vishwakarma Scheme Could Uplift And Empower Artisans & Small Enterprises
Amidst India's fervent economic ambitions, there emerges a harmonious symphony composed by the nation's artisans and small business proprietors. They are the unsung heroes who intricately weave the fabric of India's cultural and economic tapestry. These individuals, often relegated to the margins of our collective consciousness, wield a significant influence on both the local and national economies, all the while safeguarding the venerable traditions that define India.
Quantifying the exact number of artisans in India remains a daunting task due to the diverse nature of crafts and their predominantly informal and decentralised existence. Nonetheless, estimates posit that over seven million artisans are disbursed across both rural and urban landscapes. These artisans, true custodians of time-honoured traditions, weave narratives into textiles, etch history into their metalwork, and breathe life into their pottery. Their creations are not mere commodities; they are the embodiment of India's cultural diversity.
*The Economic Significance of Vishwakarma
Within the annals of India's economic policy, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana stands as a poignant acknowledgment of the indispensable role played by small artisans and craftsmen. Often toiling in the shadows, these artisans serve as custodians of time-honoured traditions, weaving narratives into each textile, etching history into their metalwork, and breathing life into their pottery. Their creations are not mere commodities; they are the embodiment of India's cultural diversity.
The government initiated a plan to uplift and empower these artisans and small enterprises and introduced the PM Vishwakarma Yojana in the Union Budget of 2023. In addition to PM Vishwakarma Yojana, India has witnessed a series of government schemes aimed at skilling artisans and supporting small businesses and yet have not created the desired impact. Most of these programmes were badly designed and poorly implemented. Some others were not comprehensive enough to enable the ecosystem. Some failed because India lacks the institutional capacity to put them to effect.
*Face formidable challenges; impedes competitiveness
The policymakers need to understand and appreciate the challenges. Artisans and small businesses grapple with several formidable challenges that impede their growth and competitive edge. A central issue is the limited access to formal skill development programmes, a constraint rooted in geographical barriers, and a lack of awareness. This hurdle obstructs their ability to acquire essential skills that would enable them to thrive in a fiercely competitive market. Furthermore, the quality and relevance of skill development programmes are pivotal to their effectiveness.
Inadequately designed programmes may leave artisans ill-equipped, rendering the training ineffectual. Bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology adoption stands as another pressing challenge. The rapid digitalisation and technological advancements can be daunting for traditional artisans, emphasising the urgency of facilitating their transition into the digital age. Financial barriers pose a formidable obstacle, often preventing artisans from enrolling in training programmes or upgrading their businesses. Access to affordable loans and financial support is imperative to surmounting these barriers and ensuring their sustained growth. Lastly, even after acquiring skills, artisans and small businesses often grapple with the challenge of accessing markets. The presence of well-established competitors and the struggle to gain a foothold in the marketplace necessitates robust market linkage and access to support to bolster their chances of success. These multifaceted challenges underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to support artisans and small enterprises in India.
*Linchpins to growth. Equally in preserving cultural heritage
The Crux study across 120 districts highlights that the Vishwakarma project must nurture and can address various hurdles such as limited training access and financial barriers. This will translate into increased productivity, enhance competitiveness, and will bolster growth of small businesses. The study discerns that if implemented well it can also play a pivotal role in generating employment opportunities.
Several other benefits of the Vishwakarma project are often overlooked in its economic assessments. Empowering artisans and small businesses lead to a surge in the production of local crafts and products, contributing significantly to GDP growth. Simultaneously, it amplifies India's economic standing on the global stage, as skilled artisans produce high-quality goods for export, bolstering foreign exchange earnings and enhancing the nation's balance of trade. Furthermore, the support extended to traditional artisans carries the profound benefit of preserving India's rich cultural heritage. This commitment to safeguarding indigenous crafts and traditions not only contributes to the nation's cultural identity but also fosters tourism. The allure of these well-preserved facets of Indian culture draws tourists, injecting vitality into the local economy through cultural tourism. A thriving small-business ecosystem strengthens the informal economy.
The Crux study concludes by highlighting that the Vishwakarma project can serve to enhance the income-earning capabilities of artisans and small business owners, improve their living standards, augment their overall quality of life and accelerate their social mobility.
*Holistic and Robust Framework
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana embodies a visionary initiative that recognizes the pivotal role played by artisans and craftsmen in India's cultural and economic tapestry. To reach artisans in the remote corners of the nation, particularly those hailing from marginalised communities, a pragmatic and time-bound strategy becomes imperative.
To reach marginalised artisans in remote areas, a pragmatic, time-bound approach is imperative. Skill development is pivotal to India's growth and productivity. A strategic approach, coupled with comprehensive policymaking, can harness the demographic dividend, creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The initiative needs to encompass the entire lifecycle of these enterprises, adopting a comprehensive approach that includes facilitating easy access to loans, promoting skill development, providing technical guidance, enabling digital empowerment, supporting brand promotion and marketing efforts, and ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. This framework is not just about uplifting and empowering artisans; it is about preserving their rich traditions.
The Vishwakarma Yojana should represent a significant leap forward in achieving this mission, ensuring that the skilled hands of India's artisans continue to shape the country's cultural heritage and economic future.
