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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    Harvest the Odisha story to ensure food security

    op-ed snap | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

     

    IT-led transformation: Odisha's KALIA shows the way- The New Indian Express

    Central idea 

    Odisha’s agricultural transformation, exemplified by a shift from scarcity to surplus, stands as a model for climate-resilient and equitable food security. The state’s success lies in empowering small and marginal farmers, embracing crop diversification, and proactively addressing climate vulnerabilities.

    Key Highlights:

    • Odisha’s Agricultural Transformation: From importing rice to recording its highest food grain production in 2022, focusing on small and marginal farmers, and tripling average rice yield in two decades.
    • Resilience and Sustainability: Odisha’s proactive approach to climate change, developing a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan covering various sectors, implementing climate-resilient cultivation practices, and adopting innovative measures for crop monitoring.
    • Social Protection: Odisha’s partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, ranking as the top state in the National Food Security Act for 2022, and collaboration on food security, livelihood, and climate resilience initiatives.

    Key Challenges:

    • Climate Vulnerability: Odisha’s susceptibility to climate change impacts, including cyclones, floods, and droughts, posing risks to livelihoods and infrastructure.
    • Implementation Hurdles: The need for effective implementation of climate-resilient practices at the ground level, overcoming potential challenges in executing the Climate Change Action Plan.

    Kalia Scheme Odisha

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA)
    • Odisha Millet Mission
    • Climate-resilient cultivation practices
    • Crop Weather Watch Group
    • Integrated farming
    • Zero-input-based natural farming
    • Biometric technology in the Targeted Public Distribution System
    • Rice fortification
    • National Food Security Act

    Key Quotes:

    • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik: “Zero Hunger” goal commitment at the United Nations World Food Programme headquarters.
    • Anu Garg: “Odisha’s transformative journey presents a unique development model for other States in the context of the challenges of global climate change.”

    Key Statements:

    • Odisha’s transition from food grain scarcity to surplus, climate-proofing agricultural systems, and ensuring food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Use of biometric technology in the Targeted Public Distribution System in Rayagada district.
    • Rice fortification initiatives in Gajapati district.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Odisha’s contribution to India’s rice production, ranking as the top state in the National Food Security Act for 2022.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Odisha’s success in achieving surplus production and resilience can serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.
    • The effectiveness of climate-resilient practices and the Climate Change Action Plan in mitigating climate risks need continuous evaluation.

    Way Forward:

    • Scaling Successful Initiatives: Expanding successful schemes like KALIA and promoting crop diversification to enhance resilience.
    • Technological Integration: Continued integration of technology in agriculture for monitoring, early warning systems, and precision farming.
    • International Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with international organizations for knowledge exchange and resource mobilization.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    100 years on, remembering Maulana Azad’s words on Hindu-Muslim unity

    op-ed snap | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Film on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad set to hit theatres on Jan 18 - DailyExcelsior

    Central idea 

    The article reflects on the legacy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, emphasizing his commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity and his pivotal role during the Partition era. The author expresses concerns about the current state of unity, citing instances of hate and intolerance, and calls for introspection to preserve the values Azad stood for.

    Key Highlights:

    • The author reflects on the life and contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, focusing on Azad’s commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity and his refusal to sign the Partition Resolution.
    • The article highlights pivotal moments in Azad’s life, emphasizing his dedication to unity and the challenges faced during the partition.

    Key Challenges:

    • The author expresses concern about the current state of Hindu-Muslim unity, citing rising hate and intolerance.
    • Instances of vandalizing Azad’s statue and derogatory comments in Parliament are presented as challenges to the values Azad stood for.

    Key Terms:

    • Hindu-Muslim ittehad (unity)
    • Partition Resolution
    • Swaraj
    • Kakinara
    • Kashmir

    Key Phrases:

    • “Over my dead body.”
    • “You are throwing us to the wolves.”
    • “Nehru ki galtiyon ka khamyaza Kashmir ko bhugatna pada.”
    • “Julam dhha le, tu sitam dhha le/ Hamare bhi to din hain aane waale.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “If an angel were to descend from heaven and declare that India would get Swaraj in 24 hours, provided she relinquishes Hindu-Muslim unity, I will answer, ‘Never’.”
    • “Hate is the favored word; expressions like ‘mohabbat ki dukaan’ are sniggered at.”
    • “Our day, too, will come.”

    Anecdotes:

    • The author recalls instances of vandalism against Azad’s statue and derogatory comments in Parliament, reflecting the challenges faced by ideals of unity.

    Key Statements:

    • “The angel has descended and made his declaration, but he has been shown his place.”
    • “Indians are being swept by a tsunami of hate.”
    • “Today, I grope about in the endless darkness in which my country has been enveloped.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Mention of Kakinara incident and recent expressions in Parliament.
    • Reference to the filmmaker K A Abbas and his film “Rahi.”

    Key Facts:

    • Azad’s refusal to sign the Partition Resolution.
    • Azad’s pivotal role in advocating Hindu-Muslim unity.
    • Instances of vandalism against Azad’s statue and derogatory comments in Parliament.

    Key Data:

    • The time frame: 100 years since Azad’s pivotal speech, approaching 2024.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The author critically examines the current state of Hindu-Muslim unity, expressing concerns about rising hate and intolerance.
    • The article reflects on the impact of political and social changes on the legacy of freedom fighters like Azad.

    Way Forward:

    • The article implies a call for introspection and a renewed commitment to the values of unity, advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant society.

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  • Tribes in News

    PM-JANMAN Scheme for PVTGs

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Central Idea

    • The Union Tribal Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the population of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is not declining, contrary to earlier data.
    • The Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) aims to provide basic facilities to PVTGs, with a significant budget allocation.

    Who are the PVTGs?

    • Definition and Characteristics: PVTGs, formerly known as Primitive Tribal Groups, are identified by criteria like declining population, pre-agrarian technology, economic backwardness, and low literacy.
    • Distribution: Spread across 18 States and Union Territories, India has 75 PVTGs, with the highest numbers in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Historical Context: These groups inhabit remote areas and have historically been among the most vulnerable sections of Scheduled Tribes.

    PM-JANMAN: Objectives and Funding

    • Mission Goals: The mission, announced earlier in the year, focuses on improving infrastructure and basic amenities in PVTG areas.
    • Budget Allocation: The Cabinet approved a ₹24,000 crore package, with contributions from both the central and state governments.
    • Implementation Strategy: The program involves nine ministries and aims to enhance housing, connectivity, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in PVTG villages.

    Challenges in Implementation

    • Data Gaps: A key challenge is the lack of current and accurate data on PVTG populations and socio-economic conditions.
    • Baseline Surveys: While surveys are being conducted, their results are not yet public, and there has been no separate Census for PVTGs since 1951.
    • Recommendations: The National Advisory Council suggested conducting a specific Census for PVTGs to better understand their needs in education, health, and housing.

    Conclusion

    • Critical Need for Accurate Data: Effective implementation of development projects for PVTGs hinges on having reliable data.
    • Holistic Approach: The government’s initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to improving the living standards of PVTGs, addressing various aspects of their well-being.
    • Continued Monitoring and Evaluation: Ongoing assessment and adaptation of strategies will be crucial to ensure the success of these development efforts for PVTGs.

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  • NPA Crisis

    Controversy over Germany’s Debt Brake Rule

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Central Idea

    • On November 15, Germany’s constitutional court declared the government’s reallocation of €60 billion to a “climate and transformation fund” (KTF) as unlawful.

    Understanding the Debt Brake Rule

    • Definition and Purpose: The debt brake rule caps government borrowing and restricts the federal government’s fiscal deficit to 0.35% of GDP, while prohibiting deficit spending by Germany’s 16 regions.
    • Enactment: This rule was incorporated into German law in 2009 by a coalition, mirroring the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact and the 2012 Fiscal Compact Treaty.

    Legal Challenge and Its Implications

    • Opposition’s Argument: It argued that climate change and energy transition investments, being long-term, shouldn’t be funded by the debt brake’s emergency exemption, which was specific to COVID-19 relief.
    • Government’s Defense: The government contended that the reallocated funds addressed economic consequences of the pandemic by linking investment shortfalls to COVID-19’s economic impact.

    Germany’s Post-2009 Economic Performance

    • Mixed Outcomes: Germany experienced growth and budget surpluses in the last decade, benefiting from low-interest policies of the ECB.
    • Zero-Deficit Budget: The government achieved a zero-deficit budget, promoting it as an ideal approach for the EU during a sovereign debt crisis.
    • Challenges and Criticisms: A cooling economy highlighted under-investment in infrastructure. Critics urged for expansionary fiscal measures, while others favored higher taxation. Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the need to avoid burdening the younger generation with debt.
    • Pandemic Response: In 2020, the debt brake rule was suspended for pandemic-related borrowing, with plans for reinstatement.

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  • Human Rights Issues

    75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    human rights

    Central Idea

    • 75th Anniversary: December 10 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris.
    • Foundation of International Order: Post-World War II, this declaration laid the groundwork for the international order, aiming to prevent future atrocities.

    Understanding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    • Document Structure: Comprising a preamble and 30 articles, it outlines fundamental rights and freedoms.
    • Key Provisions: Articles emphasize equality in dignity and rights, non-discrimination, the right to life and liberty, prohibition of slavery and torture, fair trial rights, asylum rights, and freedoms of religion, opinion, expression, and assembly.
    • Right to Education: The declaration also enshrines the right to education for all.

    Origins and Development

    • Post-War Sentiment: Born from the “never again” resolve after the world wars and the Holocaust, it served as a “road map” for individual rights.
    • Drafting Process: Chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, the drafting committee represented diverse geographical regions, with over 50 countries contributing to the final draft.
    • Global Participation: Despite being drafted during widespread colonial rule, the declaration represented a collective effort, ensuring rights for all, including gender equality.

    Impact and Legacy

    • Non-Binding Nature: While not a treaty or legally binding, its principles have influenced national laws and international human rights treaties.
    • Inspiration for Movements: It spurred decolonization, anti-apartheid, and various human rights movements globally.
    • Universal Standard: Despite criticisms, it remains a universal human rights standard, influencing various subsequent human rights agreements.

    Current Challenges and Relevance

    • Contemporary Conflicts: The declaration’s anniversary comes amid ongoing human rights challenges in conflicts like Israel-Hamas, Russia-Ukraine, and internal strife in Myanmar and Sudan.
    • U.N. Secretary-General’s Concerns: Antonio Guterres noted the misuse and abuse of the declaration, with some governments undermining it.
    • Amnesty International’s View: The organization sees the declaration as a testament to the feasibility of a global human rights vision.
    • Volker Türk’s Perspective: The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasizes the declaration’s enduring relevance, urging the world to recognize its successes and learn from its shortcomings.

    Conclusion: Upholding the Universal Declaration

    • Inherent Human Rights: The declaration underscores that human rights are intrinsic to every individual.
    • Leaders’ Responsibility: Leaders are reminded of their duty to uphold these rights, essential for the well-being of the people they serve.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Ethics and Compensation in Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)

    Explained | Trivia | Mains Paper 4: Ethics

    chis

    Central Idea

    • A recent paper from August 2023 discusses the ethical and financial aspects of Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS), where participants are deliberately infected with pathogens.
    • The paper argues that $20,000 for a six-month hepatitis C virus challenge study in the U.S. is reasonable, based on participant experiences and responses from potential participants.

    Ethical Considerations in CHIS

    • Contentious Issues: One major ethical concern in CHIS is the potential for disproportionate payment, which could be seen as an inducement for participation.
    • ICMR’s Bioethics Unit Stance: Emphasizes altruism in CHIS participation, suggesting compensation should cover lost wages, incidental expenses, time, and effort.

    Views on Altruism and Compensation

    • Jake D Eberts’ Perspective: Disagrees with the ICMR’s emphasis on altruism, arguing that monetary motivation, if accompanied by informed consent and risk understanding, isn’t inherently negative.
    • Compensation in Past Studies: Eberts received $7,350 for a Shigella study and less than $5,000 for a Zika study. He advocates for higher compensation in CHIS in the U.S.

    Compensation Models and Ethical Frameworks

    • Dr. Anna Durbin and Dr. Wilbur H. Chen’s Approaches: Compensation based on time, specimen collection, and regional study pay standards. Dr. Chen uses a Wage-Payment model, aligning compensation with unskilled labor wages in somewhat risky jobs.
    • Compensation Calculation: For the Shigella study, compensation totaled $7,350, based on various factors like visit duration, risk level, and activities completed.

    Differing Opinions on CHIS Compensation

    • Paul Zimmer-Harwood’s Experience: Participated in malaria and COVID-19 CHIS, with compensation based on study duration, visits, and inconvenience, not risk.
    • COVID-19 CHIS Concerns: Dr. Chen questions the rationale for COVID-19 CHIS, citing the absence of effective therapies and the risk of Long COVID.

    Participant Perspectives and Decisions

    • Paul’s Decision-Making: Chose to participate in the COVID-19 CHIS due to low perceived risk, previous infection, and vaccination status. Compensation was higher but proportional to study demands.
    • Risk Assessment: Paul viewed the risks as acceptable compared to the potential scientific contributions, emphasizing that his decision was informed and measured.

    Conclusion

    • Complex Ethical Landscape: CHIS presents a nuanced ethical landscape where compensation, risk, and participant motivation must be carefully balanced.
    • Importance of Informed Consent: Ensuring participants are fully informed and understand the risks is crucial in maintaining ethical standards in CHIS.

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  • Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

    Are Crimes against Women on the Rise?

    DOMR | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Central Idea

    • Despite a decline in overall crime rate in 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report highlights a 4% rise in crimes against women.
    • The crime rate dropped to 258.1 per lakh population in 2022 from 268 per lakh in 2021, but crimes against women increased.

    Nature of Crimes Against Women

    • Major Categories: The majority of crimes included:
    1. Cruelty by husband or relatives (31.4%),
    2. Kidnapping and abduction (19.2%),
    3. Assault with intent to outrage modesty (18.7%), and
    4. Rape (7.1%).
    • Dowry Prohibition Act: 13,479 cases were registered under this act.

    Societal and Legal Perspectives

    • Patriarchal Society: Activists and lawyers attribute the rise to deep-rooted patriarchal mind-sets in Indian society.
    • Legal Framework: Key laws for women’s safety include The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, The Dowry Prohibition Act, The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and others.
    • Implementation Challenges: Despite strong laws, their effective implementation remains a challenge.

    Interpretation of Increased Crime Registration

    • NCRB Report Findings: Over 4.45 lakh cases of crimes against women were registered in 2022, indicating a high rate of 66.4 crimes per lakh population.
    • Charge Sheet Filing Rate: The rate of filing charge sheets in such cases was 75.8%.
    • Views on Increased Registration: Some experts view the rise as indicative of women’s increased confidence in approaching police, while others see it as a reflection of persistent inequality and societal attitudes.

    Regional Variations in Crime Registration

    • Delhi’s High Crime Rate: With 14,247 cases, Delhi recorded the highest rate of crimes against women at 144.4 per lakh.
    • Contrast with Other Regions: In many parts of India, especially rural areas, crime registration is low, and fear of police is high.

    Challenges in Law Enforcement and Judiciary

    • Policing Issues: There is a lack of trained police officers for investigations, leading to poor charge sheet preparation.
    • Judicial Delays: Cases take years in trial courts, with appeals extending the duration further.
    • Fast-Track Courts: Despite their existence, fast-track courts for grievous crimes are as slow as regular courts.

    Representation of Women in Police Force

    • Low Proportion: Women police officers’ representation in the force is low, leading to disproportionate workloads and slower charge sheeting and convictions.
    • Ministry of Home Affairs Data: As of January 1, 2022, women constituted only 11.7% of the total state police force.

    Conclusion

    • Need for Strong Political Will: Effective policies and programs are required to elevate women’s status and address the root causes of gender-based violence.
    • Improving Law Enforcement and Judiciary: Enhancing police training, increasing women’s representation in the force, and expediting judicial processes are crucial steps.

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Europe agrees landmark AI Regulation Deal

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    AI

    Central Idea

    • European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced on the provisional deal on the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation.
    • Finally, the EU becomes the first continent to set clear rules for AI use, following a long negotiation between the European Parliament and EU member states.

    EU’s AI Legal Framework

    • Safeguards and Restrictions: The legislation includes strict guidelines on AI use by law enforcement and consumer rights to file complaints against violations.
    • Facial Recognition and Manipulation: Strong restrictions are placed on facial recognition technology and AI that manipulates human behavior.
    • Biometric Surveillance: Governments are limited to using real-time biometric surveillance in public areas only under serious threats, like terrorist attacks.
    • Breton’s Vision: The legislation is seen as a launch pad for EU startups and researchers to lead in AI, aiming for technology development that respects safety and rights.

    Details of the EU AI Act

    • Risk-Based Classification: AI applications are divided into four risk classes, ranging from largely banned applications to high-risk and medium-risk categories.
    • High-Risk Applications: Includes AI tools for self-driving cars, subject to certification and public scrutiny.
    • Medium-Risk Applications: Such as generative AI chatbots require detailed documentation and transparency obligations.

    Europe’s Leadership in Tech Regulation

    • Contrast with the US: Europe has led in tech regulation, with laws like GDPR, DSA, and DMA, focusing on privacy and curbing tech majors’ dominance.
    • US Approach: The White House Executive Order on AI and an AI Bill of Rights aim to provide a blueprint for AI regulation.

    Different Approaches to AI Regulation

    • Global Policy Scrutiny: Policymakers worldwide are increasingly focusing on regulating generative AI tools, with concerns over privacy, bias, and intellectual property.
    • EU’s Stringent Stance: The EU adopts a tougher approach, categorizing AI based on invasiveness and risk.
    • UK’s Light-Touch Approach: Aims to foster innovation in AI.
    • US’s Intermediate Position: The US approach lies between the EU and the UK.
    • China’s Regulatory Measures: China has also released its guidelines to regulate AI.

    India’s Approach to AI

    • Focus on Sovereign AI: India emphasizes developing its sovereign AI, particularly for real-life applications in healthcare, agriculture, governance, and language translation.
    • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Model: India’s DPI approach involves government-sanctioned technology offered to private entities for various use cases.
    • Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s Vision: The goal is to leverage AI for economic development, with a focus on Indian startups and companies driving the AI ecosystem.

    Conclusion

    • Worldwide Impact: The EU’s AI Act sets a precedent for global AI regulation, influencing how countries approach AI governance.
    • Balancing Innovation and Regulation: The challenge lies in fostering AI innovation while ensuring ethical use and safeguarding individual rights.

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  • Human Rights Issues

    In news: Operation Storm Makers II

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Central Idea

    • The Interpol operation Storm Makers II against fraud schemes fuelled by victims of human trafficking has unearthed further evidence that the trend is expanding beyond the Southeast Asian region.

    About Operation Storm Makers II

    • This operation was a special mission organized by Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, France.
    • The operation took place from October 16 to 20.
    • It involved law enforcement in 27 countries across Asia and other regions.

    The operation targeted human trafficking and cyber scams. It resulted in:

    1. Rescue of 149 human trafficking victims
    2. Hundreds of arrests
    3. More than 270,000 inspections and police checks

    Back2Basics: INTERPOL

    Details
    Full Name International Criminal Police Organization
    Member Countries Comprises 195 member countries
    Function Facilitates coordination among police forces globally; shares data on crimes and criminals
    Headquarters Located in Lyon, France
    Global Complex Has a Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore
    Satellite Offices Several regional offices in different parts of the world
    India’s Membership Joined in June 1956
    National Central Bureau (NCB) Each member country has an NCB; in India, it’s under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

    NCBs are the contact points for Interpol’s General Secretariat and other NCBs; run by police officials of the country
    Databases Manages 19 police databases with real-time access to information on crimes and criminals
    Investigative Support Provides forensic, analysis, and assistance in locating fugitives globally
    Red Notice (RN) Issued to alert police worldwide about fugitives wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence; for provisional arrest pending extradition or similar legal action

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  • Skilling India – Skill India Mission,PMKVY, NSDC, etc.

    PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Empowering Traditional Craftspeople

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    vishwakarma

    Central Idea

    • The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show.

    PM Vishwakarma Scheme

    • The PM Vishwakarma Scheme boasts an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, fully funded by the Central government.
    • It aims to benefit individuals predominantly from the OBC community engaged in traditional skills and crafts such as carpentry, gold-smithing, masonry, laundry services, and more.
    • The scheme derives its name from Vishwakarma, a revered figure in Hindu mythology known as the architect of the gods.
    • Vishwakarma was the divine carpenter and master craftsman responsible for crafting the gods’ weapons, building their cities and chariots.
    • He is considered the patron deity of workers, artisans, and artists.

    Eligibility for the Scheme

    • Supported Sectors: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme extends assistance to families associated with 18 diverse sectors, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, and more.
    • Registration: Vishwakarma workers can register for free through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

    Features of the Scheme

    • Recognition: Workers will receive recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
    • Skill Upgradation: The scheme offers basic and advanced training to enhance skills.
    • Toolkit Incentive: Artisans receive a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000.
    • Credit Support: Collateral-free credit support is provided up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
    • Digital Transactions: Incentives for digital transactions and marketing support are available.
    • Knowledge Enhancement: A toolkit booklet, available in 12 Indian languages with accompanying videos, helps workers stay updated on new technologies in their field.
    • Skill Training Stipend: Artisans can benefit from a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training and Rs 1,500 for purchasing modern tools.
    • Coverage: The scheme aims to cover five lakh families in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.
    • Global Integration: It also seeks to integrate Vishwakarma into domestic and global value chains.

    Need for such scheme

    • Traditional craftsmen and skilled artisans, often taught these crafts by family elders, have encountered several hurdles.
    • These include a lack of professional training, access to modern tools, geographical remoteness from relevant markets, and limited capital for investment.

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