Virtual Inauguration Held for Basket Making Skill Training under PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Gangtok, November 01 (IPR): The Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, Ms Karma D Youtso, virtually inaugurated a five-day skill training programme on Basket Making organised under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
The virtual inauguration was held from the Mini Conference Hall of the Commerce and Industries Department. The training is being conducted at ITI Kewzing, Namchi District, with a total of 28 participants taking part in the programme.
In her address, the Secretary highlighted the importance of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in promoting skill enhancement and self-reliance among traditional artisans. She urged the participants to actively engage in the sessions and make effective use of the opportunity to strengthen their skills for sustainable livelihood development.
She further advised the trainees to avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits, which include access to collateral-free credit of up to ₹1 lakh at a subsidised interest rate, a free toolkit, and opportunities to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions. She encouraged the artisans to ensure the production of quality products and to share their progress with the training facilitators and project teams.
The Secretary also emphasised the importance of financial literacy and requested the training partners to conduct simple and practical financial education sessions with the assistance of bank officials. Concluding her address, she assured that the Department would extend all possible support to facilitate the growth and development of artisans through technical guidance, access to credit, and market linkages.
Addressing the participants, Director (MSME), Commerce and Industries Department, Mr M Ravi Kumar, encouraged the trainees to make full use of the training and produce goods that meet market requirements. He assured that the Department would continue to assist in marketing and promotion to strengthen artisan enterprises.
Joint Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Champa Sharma, stressed the importance of conducting the training effectively and aligning it with market needs to ensure practical outcomes.
General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Namchi, Mr Dinesh Pradhan, advised the participants to approach the DIC office for any queries or support related to entrepreneurship or government schemes.
Team Leader, SLPMU, Mr Jaydeep Chakraborty, expressed his gratitude to the Secretary for her continued guidance and support in implementing the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. He highlighted the efforts of the SLPMU team in coordinating training programmes, ensuring maximum participation, and facilitating the smooth execution of the scheme across the State.
Also present were officials from the Commerce and Industries Department and members of the SLPMU. The programme was joined by State Coordinator, NSDC, Ms Jharna Sharma; District Coordinator, Namchi, Ms Abishta Rasaily; SPOC, Mr Nirmal Bhattarai; and the participating trainees.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK