As a strategic step towards implementation of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today announced the commencement of the Training of Master Trainers & Assessors Program under PM Vishwakarma scheme, to empower artisans and craftsmen community in identified trades.

This five-day residential training program, being held at the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) from November 6th to 10th, 2023, is set to train 41 master trainers from 10 different states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.

The first batch of master trainers will cater to the following trades: barber (Naai),  tailor (Darzi), mason  (Rajmistri), carpenter (Suthar/Badhai), doll & toy maker (Traditional), and blacksmith (Lohar).

The Master Trainers Training Programme aims to equip these master trainers with modern technology skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. Participants will receive training on entrepreneurial competencies, business plan preparation, the government support ecosystem, financial literacy, digital and social media marketing, branding, and marketing. Additionally, the master trainers will be provided with a modern tool kit to enhance their skills and adapt to contemporary practices.

The program was inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, today. During the inauguration, he emphasized the critical components of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana and said, “In the pursuit of building a skilled and empowered workforce, the Master Trainers and Assessors Program under PM Vishwakarma, is a significant step towards equipping our nation with the knowledge and expertise it needs. These Master Trainers, as torchbearers of knowledge and innovation, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our country.”

“Their dedication and expertise will not only enrich the skill set of our workforce but also contribute to the realization of Prime Minister Vishwakarma's vision for a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and prosperous India. Together, we will empower our citizens and collectively forge a skilled India for the 21st century,” he further added.

PM Vishwakarma scheme ensures recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards, skill upgrading through skill verification, basic skilling, advanced skill training, entrepreneurial knowledge, toolkit incentives up to Rs. 15,000, credit support up to Rs. 3,00,000, and incentives for digital transactions. The program will also provide marketing and branding support by the National Committee of Marketing (NCM).

Master trainers will be trained to deliver the PM Vishwakarma scheme with a focus on enhancing the quality and expanding the reach of products and services crafted by artisans and skilled craftspeople. Their primary objective will be to ensure the seamless integration of Vishwakarmas into both the domestic and global value chains. The overarching goal of this initiative is to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople, facilitating their progression up the value chain in their respective trades.

These trainers will receive training on various aspects, including conducting engaging orientation sessions for program beneficiaries, comprehending the scope of their work, and aiding participants in recognizing entrepreneurial qualities through behavioral exercises and real-life case studies. Moreover, the master trainers will be familiarized with a range of government support schemes that Vishwakarmas can leverage for financial assistance. They will also be trained to further train the Vishwakarmas become well-versed in the procedures and formalities associated with bank financing. This training will empower them to comprehend the policies and guidelines followed by financial institutions and lending processes in a structured and methodical manner.

Furthermore, these trainers will be equipped to assist participants in comprehending the different components of a business plan. They will be adept at elucidating the nature of the business, developing a sound sales and marketing strategy, outlining the financial background, and constructing a projected profit and loss statement.

As per PM Vishwakarma Guidelines highlighting the Guru – Shishya Parampara the Master Trainers will be oriented on how to use the trade specific equipments and tools for practical training. Modern training audio-visual tools will supplement the training.  Practical training in the usage of every tool will be provided. Orientation will be given  on how to improve by inculcating modern designs and time optimization.

The Master Trainer would be oriented on how to use the Trainee and Trainer Handbooks created for every Trade. Each trade training will be delivered in classroom mode. Industry experts may be called for a session during trade training.

Master tainers will be trained to undertake Skill Assessments for all registered beneficiaries would be done to assess their existing skill levels. This assessment has been prepared in all 12 regional languages. It will be the first significant activity in the skill upgradation process and by assessing the current levels of skills, future path of skill upgradation in PM Vishwakarma will be charted in an informed manner.  It will be a simple, short test, to make a broad assessment of Vishwakarmas’ existing skills, familiarity with modern tools and techniques, and any gaps.

Post training the candidates shall be assessed on the 40 hours of basic training being provided. This will be done on the modern tools, their usage covered over the training period and his knowledge of digital and financial literacy, branding and marketing, self-employment modules. This will be a timed assessment which all Vishwakarmas have to undertake.

The event was also graced by Ms Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, MSDE, Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director (EE), NIESBUD, and Mr. Mahendra Payal, CPO, NSDC.

PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on September 17th, 2023, by the Prime Minister of India to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. For more information, please visit www.pmvishwakarma.gov.in. For any queries, artisans and craftspeople may call 18002677777 or email at pm-vishwakarma[at]dcmsme[dot]gov[dot]in.

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