Stalin Launches Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam as an Alternative to PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin established Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam as an artisan development scheme which provides financial assistance together with skill development programs for artisans and workers. This initiative exceeds the PM Vishwakarma scheme through its inclusion of trades by permitting people free selection of their training operations. The scheme offers loans between ₹50,000 and ₹3 lakh which include subsidy benefits. All applicants need to reach at least 35 years old to qualify for the initiative. The new program has received applications numbering 24907 units with the approving authority delivering ₹170 crore worth of loans. Extra updates regarding infrastructure construction and amplified exhibition financial assistance become part of the initiative.

Context:

• The State government established the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam to replace the PM Vishwakarma scheme designed by the Centre. 

• The scheme offers loans between ₹50,000 and ₹3 lakh which include subsidy benefits. All applicants need to reach at least 35 years old to qualify for the initiative. 

• The new program has received applications numbering 24907 units with the approving authority delivering ₹170 crore worth of loans

About the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam:

Objective:

 Through the program workers along with artisans receive training benefits coupled with financial incentives that help improve their way of earning money. This program delivers social and fair benefits as a better substitute to the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

Features:

• Loan Support:

  • The authority provides loans starting from ₹50,000 going up to ₹3 lakh with special financial benefits. People enrolled in the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam may follow any profession they wish because it differs from PM Vishwakarma which only permits family-trade occupations.

• Age Criterion:

  • People who started their professional life late have access to this program through its age requirement of 35 years old and above.

• Inclusion:

  • The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam stands distinct from PM Vishwakarma scheme because this initiative avoids caste-based restrictions by allowing people to select any vocational training beyond their family's traditional occupations.

• Current Status:

  • The new scheme gained substantial public endorsement from 24,907 applicants who filed applications since its initiation.

• Loan Approvals:

  • The Chief Minister granted approval of loans worth ₹170 crore with a ₹34 crore subsidy to 8,951 recipients through Mr. Stalin.

Additional Announcements by CM Stalin:

• Subsidy Increase:

  • The funding available for GI tag applications through the subsidy will grow from its current level of ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh.

• Metrology and Metallurgy Laboratory:

  • The establishment of a new laboratory at Ambattur Industrial Estate will cost ₹5 crore for benefiting automotive and engineering sectors.

• Infrastructure Development:

  • The funds amounting to ₹5 crore will be used to develop road infrastructure and storm-water drainage facilities in Pazhanthandalam (Kancheepuram district).

• Skill Development Centres:

  • A technological skill development training center together with a common facility center will be established at Kakkalur Industrial Estate with an investment of ₹3.9 crore.

• Increased Financial Assistance for Exhibitions:

  • The upcoming budget increased financing support for exhibit participation from micro and small enterprises from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh.

Clusters Inaugurated:

CM Stalin established three new clusters under the Micro Cluster Development Programme according to his recent event.

• Peravurani Coir Cluster (Thanjavur district) – Cost: ₹7.29 crore

• Jewellery Federation Cluster (Ramanathapuram district) – Cost: ₹6.72 crore

• Embroidery Stitching Cluster (Thenkasi district) – Cost: ₹1.15 crore

These industrial facilities establish centers that promote small-scale industry growth and artisan development to support Tamil Nadu's industrial expansion.

Conclusion:

The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam takes Tamil Nadu toward skill development and establishes both social justice and economic inclusion across the state. The state government commits itself to developing skill programs without caste restrictions while expanding traditional trade opportunities to empower workers so they can build lasting employment through sustainable means. The initiative serves as a reaction to the PM Vishwakarma scheme because CM Stalin pointed out caste-based restrictions within it.