Condemnation of Vishwakarma scheme by M.K.Stal and instead condemnation by BJP Narayanan Tirupati…!

The rejection of the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the subsequent criticism from BJP’s Narayanan Thirupathi have sparked a significant political debate in the state. This issue revolves around the intersections of social justice, artisan welfare, and the power dynamics between the central and state governments.

Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme: An Overview

The Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme, launched in 2023 by the central government, aims to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople by enhancing their livelihoods and preserving their skills.

Key Features of the Scheme:

1. Financial Assistance: ₹13,000 crore allocated to benefit 30 lakh families across India.
2. Skill Development: Training programs to improve artisans’ technical skills.
3. Access to Loans: Low-interest loans to boost small-scale enterprises.
4. Market Support: Creating opportunities for artisans to showcase and sell their products in national and international markets.

The scheme targets traditional occupations such as tailoring, carpentry, goldsmithing, shoemaking, and more.

M.K. Stalin’s Rejection

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that Tamil Nadu would not implement the scheme, citing that it is “caste-based” and contrary to the principles of social justice upheld by the state.

Key Reasons for Rejection:

1. Violation of Social Justice: Stalin argued that the scheme segregates artisans based on caste, fostering division within society.
2. Tamil Nadu’s Autonomy: He emphasized that the state government plans to introduce its own unique welfare programs for artisans, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s social justice framework.
3. Central Government’s Indifference: He criticized the central government for not accommodating the recommendations made by the state.
4. Economic Self-Reliance: Tamil Nadu aims to independently support its artisans without relying on the Vishwakarma Scheme.

In his letter to the Union Government, Stalin stated that Tamil Nadu would focus on crafting a more inclusive scheme tailored to the needs of its artisans.

BJP’s Criticism

Narayanan Thirupathi, Vice President of Tamil Nadu BJP, strongly condemned Stalin’s stance.

Key Points from BJP’s Response:

1. Misinterpretation of Vishwakarma: Thirupathi argued that “Vishwakarma” is not a caste-based term but represents the deity of craftsmanship and creativity.
2. Artisan Welfare at Stake: Rejecting the scheme deprives traditional artisans of crucial financial and technical support.
3. Political Bias: He accused the Tamil Nadu government of politicizing the scheme, prioritizing partisan agendas over public welfare.
4. Ignoring Economic Benefits: The scheme’s benefits, such as market access and upskilling opportunities, are crucial for artisans to adapt to modern challenges.

Political Implications

This debate underscores the divergent approaches of the DMK and BJP towards social justice and economic development.

• DMK: Advocates for state-specific solutions that prioritize inclusivity and avoid caste-based categorizations.
• BJP: Emphasizes the universal applicability of the Vishwakarma Scheme and its potential to empower marginalized artisans.

The rejection has brought the broader issue of central-state relations and the autonomy of states to the forefront of the political discourse.

Social Justice and Artisan Rights

The controversy raises critical questions about the balance between preserving traditional occupations and promoting modern economic opportunities:

1. Role of Large Corporations: Critics argue that rejecting the scheme could inadvertently favor large corporations over small-scale artisans.
2. Caste vs. Profession: The DMK’s stance highlights concerns about reinforcing caste identities, while the BJP insists the scheme transcends such boundaries.

Does the Vishwakarma Scheme Need Revision?

For the scheme to be more effective and widely accepted, the central government could consider:

1. Incorporating State Feedback: Adapting the scheme to align with the unique social and economic contexts of individual states.
2. Focusing on Inclusivity: Avoiding caste-based classifications and instead emphasizing skill development and financial aid for all artisans.

Way Forward

1. Collaboration Between Governments: Both the central and state governments must work together to ensure that artisans receive the support they need.
2. Enhanced Support for Artisans: Tailored solutions that blend traditional skills with modern technologies can help artisans compete in global markets.
3. Transparent Implementation: Ensuring that the benefits reach genuine beneficiaries without political interference.

Conclusion

The debate over the Vishwakarma Scheme highlights the complexities of implementing welfare programs in a diverse and politically dynamic country like India. While the central government’s intent is to uplift traditional artisans, the execution and design of such schemes must address concerns about inclusivity and social justice. The outcome of this dispute will have long-term implications for the artisans of Tamil Nadu and beyond, as well as for the relationship between the state and central governments.