Following Rejection of Centre's Vishwakarma Scheme, CM Stalin to Introduce KKT on April 18

Chennai, April 10 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to unveil the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT) -- Kalaignar Artisans Development Scheme -- on April 18 in the Kundrathur area of Kancheepuram district.

This initiative by the state government aims to uplift artisans and craftspeople through financial assistance, skill enhancement, and entrepreneurship training, ultimately improving their livelihoods and enabling them to become independent business owners.

The scheme encompasses over 25 traditional trades, such as brick kiln operation, pottery, alloy production, carpentry, jewelry crafting, sculpture making, glasswork, construction, boat building, mat and rope weaving, musical instrument fabrication, weaving, and painting. To qualify, applicants must be at least 35 years old and possess a minimum of five years of experience in any of the specified trades.

State Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises T.M. Anbarasan emphasized the unique aspects of the Kalaignar Kaivinai Scheme, particularly in contrast to the Union government’s PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

He noted that Tamil Nadu’s initiative offers more extensive and accessible support. “The Vishwakarma Scheme promotes caste-based professions, potentially discouraging students from pursuing higher education by tying them to family trades,” Anbarasan stated.

In contrast, he explained, the state scheme is inclusive and future-oriented, allowing artisans to select their preferred trade instead of being confined to traditional family professions.

While the Central scheme allows applicants from the age of 18, the state’s minimum age requirement is 35, ensuring that younger individuals can pursue higher education without undue pressure to enter the workforce prematurely.

Additional distinguishing features include the credit support framework. Unlike the Vishwakarma Scheme, which provides loans without subsidies and disburses them in two installments, the Kalaignar Kaivinai Scheme offers credit support of Rs 3 lakh, a 25 percent capital subsidy (up to Rs 50,000), a 5 percent interest subsidy, and a single installment disbursal.

The initiative is anticipated to benefit at least 10,000 artisans annually, with applications to be submitted online at www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in. Minister Anbarasan also mentioned that the scheme honors the late DMK leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, recognizing his lasting contributions to social equity and inclusive development.

“The scheme is not rooted in traditional, caste-related trades. It provides subsidy-linked credit, entrepreneurship development, and skills training to assist artisans in expanding existing trades or starting new ones,” the minister remarked.

It is noteworthy that on November 27, 2024, Chief Minister Stalin communicated with Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, stating that Tamil Nadu would not proceed with the PM Vishwakarma Scheme as currently structured.

In his correspondence, CM Stalin indicated that the state government was developing a more inclusive and socially fair alternative that does not differentiate based on caste.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, sanctioned by the Union Cabinet on August 16, 2023, and launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, aims to provide comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftspeople known as Vishwakarmas. However, the Tamil Nadu government has opted to follow its own path with the Kalaignar Kaivinai Scheme, a focused, inclusive initiative aimed at empowering artisans throughout the state.

Minister Anbarasan concluded by encouraging qualified artisans and craftspeople to fully utilize the scheme for their personal and professional advancement.