- Independence Day address, the Prime Minister unveiled two significant initiatives aimed at empowering artisans and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) across India.
- The two initiatives are: the Vishwakarma Yojana and the provision of drones for women SHGs under Lakpati Didi Scheme.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
- The government’s goal is to create two crore “lakhpati didis” (prosperous sisters) in villages. This scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
- Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
Vishwakarma Yojana
- The Vishwakarma Yojana is a pioneering scheme designed to uplift individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community.
- This scheme, named after the divine architect and craftsman Vishwakarma, seeks to preserve and enhance the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-pupil tradition) of passing down skills within families engaged in various artisanal trades.