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KUPWARA: In order to review the progress in implementation of PM Vishwakarma scheme, launched to uplift traditional Artisans and Craftspeople, a meeting was held here today under the chairpersonship of District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan. The DDC took a firsthand appraisal about the progress made so far with regard to registration of Artisans (Vishwakarmas), verification process, onboarding, capacity building of stakeholders and monitoring & evaluation mechanism in place.

On the occasion, the DC was apprised that as of date, as many as 15610 applications have been received in the District at Gram Panchayat and ULB zone level for registration under Vishwakarma scheme. 10588 applicants have been recommended at Stage -1, 5329 applicants recommended at stage-2, and similarly 4041 applicants have been approved at stage-3.

It was given out in the meeting that capacity building of 1400 artisans is going on at different Polytechnic colleges and NCDC approved centers across the district. It was revealed in the meeting that 543 applicants/artisans applied for loan and loans in favour of 190 artisans were sanctioned. The chair also took stock of the different technical issues on PM Vishwakarma Portal and directed the concerned officers to establish communication channels with MSME.

On the occasion, the DDC impressed upon the officers to clear all pendency within a timeline of 10 days to ensure coverage of the artisans. She asked the Officers of all line Departments to be more practical in successful implementation of the scheme so that the target group is benefitted for their overall socio-economic development.

Pertinent to mention that PM Vishwakarma scheme offers a range of benefits including toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, training to artisans, Rs 500 per day during training, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.

ADDC Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmed Bhat; ACP Kupwara, General Manager DIC, LDM, BDOs, Superintendent ITI Kupwara, CSC Manager and other concerned were present in the meeting.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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