India Recognizes Jewelry and Diamond Craftsmen as ‘Vishwakarmas’

This recognition, under the visionary Kushal Bharat Viksit Bharat initiative, not only honors their craftsmanship but also makes them eligible for the benefits of the Prime Minister PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

By TBT Web Desk On Mar 21, 2024

In the five-decade history of the Surat diamond industry, the prolonged recession has exacerbated the financial situation of tens of thousands of diamond workers — Diamond artisans in Surat

Surat : In a landmark move that heralds a new era for India’s artisans, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for the recognition of diamond and jewelry artisans as ‘Vishwakarmas’. This recognition, under the visionary Kushal Bharat Viksit Bharat initiative, not only honors their craftsmanship but also makes them eligible for the benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

Sabyasachi Ray, ED of GJEPC, elaborated on the scheme’s objectives, “Under the Kushal Bharat Viksit Bharat motto, this MoU will catalyze initiatives to accelerate the development of India’s skill ecosystem. The primary goal is to acknowledge the artisans and craftspeople as ‘Vishwakarmas’, enabling them to harness the scheme’s benefits. GJEPC will conduct skill training for registered Vishwakarmas in the trade of Goldsmiths nationwide. Additionally, the establishment of Training and Skilling Centres across various regions will empower locals with industry-specific skills, thus spurring employment and regional economic growth.”

India’s ambition to become a design-driven Jewelry manufacturing hub is evident in the government’s intent to nurture new talent and safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage, particularly its rich legacy in handcrafted and bespoke jewelry. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a beacon of hope for artisans, offering them a platform to enhance their skills and ensuring their invaluable artistry continues to shine on the global stage.

This strategic partnership between MSDE and GJEPC is more than just a policy initiative; it’s a celebration of India’s traditional craftsmanship and a commitment to its future. As the country positions itself at the forefront of jewelry design and manufacturing, it also reaffirms its dedication to the artisans, now recognized as ‘Vishwakarmas’, who are the true jewels in India’s crown of skilled labor.