New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu & Kashmir President and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Sat Sharma, CA, raised an important issue related to the implementation of the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.
Through an unstarred question, Sat Sharma sought detailed information from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) regarding the enrollment of artisans under the PM-Vishwakarma Yojana in Jammu and Kashmir, the status of verification and approvals, and the disbursement of benefits, including skill training, toolkit incentives, and credit support.
Replying to the question, Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, informed the House through a written response that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on 17 September 2023, aims to provide holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades.
The Minister stated that as of 27 January 2026, a total of 1.55 lakh artisans in Jammu and Kashmir have been successfully registered under the scheme after completing a rigorous three-stage verification process. District-wise data submitted by the Ministry shows widespread participation across the Union Territory, with Jammu district leading at 69,508 enrolled artisans, followed by Budgam (42,902), Kathua (35,713), Anantnag (33,352), and Rajouri (30,035), among others.
Highlighting the tangible benefits delivered under the scheme, the Minister further informed that 1.33 lakh beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir have already received Basic Skill Training. Additionally, modern toolkits have been distributed to 89,692 artisans, enabling them to improve productivity and workmanship. Under the credit support component of the scheme, 14,344 beneficiaries have been sanctioned loans amounting to ₹132.7 crore.
Reacting to the reply, Sat Sharma stated that the figures clearly reflect the strong commitment of the Narendra Modi-led government towards empowering traditional artisans, craftsmen, and grassroots workers in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is playing a transformative role in strengthening livelihoods, promoting self-employment, and preserving traditional skills, while ensuring inclusive economic growth across all districts of the Union Territory.
Sat Sharma reaffirmed that the BJP will continue to raise people-centric issues in Parliament and ensure the effective implementation of flagship welfare schemes on the ground.
