During the recent Independence Day address, the Indian Prime Minister disclosed two prominent initiatives intended to empower artisans and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) across India. These were: the Vishwakarma Yojana and the drone provision for women SHGs under Lakpati Didi Scheme. The initiatives aim to boost traditional craftsmanship and to advance women’s economic empowerment in rural areas.
The Vishwakarma Yojana
The Vishwakarma Yojana is a groundbreaking scheme designed to uplift individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, especially from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. Named after Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman in Hindu mythology, the scheme aims to uphold and strengthen the teacher-student tradition of skill transmission within artisan families.
Features of Vishwakarma Yojana
Participants will be recognized through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card. They will also be eligible for collateral-free credits of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%. The scheme also provides stipends for skills training and tool purchasing. The scheme covers 18 traditional crafts across all geographical areas and promotes registration through common service centres in villages.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
The Lakhpati Didi Scheme aims to promote the creation of two million “lakhpati didis” (wealthy sisters) in Indian villages. This mission aligns with the broader goal of reducing poverty and promoting economic empowerment. Under this scheme, women will be empowered with skill training and resources to generate an income of over Rs. 1 lakh per year.
Features of Lakhpati Didi Scheme
Women SHGs will be provided with drones for agricultural activities, promoting a technology-driven transformation in the farming sector. The scheme aims to train around 15,000 women’s SHGs in operating and repairing drones, enabling them to diversify their income sources. Other skills promoted within this initiative include LED bulb production, plumbing, and more.
Other Initiatives on Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation
Additional initiatives contributing to women empowerment and poverty alleviation include the Swadhar Greh, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna, and Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme, among others. These schemes cumulatively aim to improve living conditions, foster self-governance, and provide avenues for income generation among like-minded individuals of similar socio-economic backgrounds.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Past examination questions serve as an insight into the relevance and significance of such initiatives. Some PYQs have focused on the potential of microfinancing for women’s SHGs to break cycles of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition. Another question examined the role of SHGs in development activities and assessed the measures put in place by the Government of India to promote these groups.