Inauguration of the PM Vishwakarma Training Goldsmith (Sonar) Program in Guwahati

Inauguration of the PM Vishwakarma Training Goldsmith (Sonar) Program in Guwahati

Guwahati, November 9, 2024 – The PM Vishwakarma Training Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing the skills of jewellery artisans across the Northeast, was launched today at the NEHHDC Bamunimaidan. This program, in collaboration with  the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) as the implementing agency under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, seeks to uplift and empower traditional artisans, ensuring their sustained growth and productivity in India’s gem and jewellery sector.

The inaugural ceremony at NEHHDC was presided over by Dr. Sriparna B. Baruah, Advisor at NEHHDC, with notable attendance from Shri Kaushik Ghosh, Regional Director, GJEPC, Eastern Region, and Shri Koushik SV, Head of IIGJ, Udupi. Together, these key stakeholders emphasized the program’s dedication to honing the talents of goldsmiths and other jewellery artisans, aligning their craftsmanship with modern industry standards.

The PM Vishwakarma Program offers specialized training for artisans, equipping them with advanced tools and techniques to enhance their traditional skill sets within the jewellery trade. A toolkit worth ₹15,000 is provided to each participant by the Government of India, along with a daily stipend of ₹500 for the duration of the seven-day training. The first batch of 32 participants has commenced training, with additional registered artisans set to join in upcoming batches, demonstrating the region's enthusiasm for this transformative program.

Beyond hands-on skill enhancement, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is structured to support artisans in building sustainable livelihoods through access to collateral-free credit, interest subsidies, digital transaction incentives, and market linkages. The initiative also emphasizes brand promotion, enabling artisans to reach broader markets while maintaining the integrity of their craft.

Dr. Sriparna B. Baruah remarked, “This collaboration with GJEPC through the PM Vishwakarma Training Program is a significant step toward NEHHDC’s mission of empowering local artisans. By combining traditional skills with contemporary techniques, we’re confident that these artisans will thrive in an evolving market, preserving the cultural heritage of the Northeast while expanding their reach.”

NEHHDC is proud to be part of this impactful program, reinforcing its commitment to the growth and development of the region’s artisanal community. The programme is being launched in relevance with Jewellery and Handicrafts Livelihood Business Incubator established at NEHHDC under the ASPIRE scheme of MoMSME. As we continue to support the PM Vishwakarma Training Program, we remain dedicated to fostering innovation, skill development, and economic empowerment for artisans across the Northeast.