New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has given the green light to the ‘Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme’, which aims to assist artisans linked to khadi, handloom, cottage industries, and the unorganised sector, as reported by an official on Thursday.

This decision was made during a recent Cabinet meeting led by the Chief Minister.

The scheme will be executed through the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB). In the fiscal year 2025–26, it is projected that 3,728 beneficiaries will receive training, with an initial funding of Rs 8.95 crore approved for the first phase. For 2026–27, a proposed budget of Rs 57.50 crore is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet to broaden the initiative.

The first phase will primarily target approximately 18,000 tailors registered on the e-Shram portal. Gradually, the scheme will be expanded to incorporate other traditional trades such as embroiderers, dressmakers, potters, carpenters, cobblers, basket makers, mat makers, perfumers, bamboo artisans, barbers, garland makers, washermen, fishing net makers, and carpet weavers, among others.

As per the official announcement, applicants must be at least 18 years old, with only one member from each family eligible for the scheme. Government employees and their families will not qualify. It is mandatory to have Aadhaar-based identification and verification at the time of registration.

In her announcement, the Chief Minister emphasized that Delhi’s artisans are the guardians of the city’s cultural heritage.

“For years, they have fortified society with their craftsmanship. However, in an evolving world, they require modern training and direct access to markets. This scheme will ensure that they can not only maintain their livelihoods in the new economy but also advance with enhanced skills and access to digital platforms,” she stated.

Delhi Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa added that this initiative transcends mere skill-building.

“This is about restoring dignity and fostering self-reliance for thousands of families,” he noted.

Courses in merchandising, logistics, IT operations, and fashion production will create new employment and entrepreneurial prospects for artisans while preserving traditional crafts and aligning them with modern market needs.

Referring to the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’, the Chief Minister mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had identified skill development as a fundamental aspect of nation-building.

She highlighted that the Union Budget 2026–27 has emphasized linking artisans to global markets, alongside branding, training, and quality improvement. “Delhi is advancing that vision. We are directly connecting skills to dignified livelihoods,” she commented.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries will undergo 12 days (96 hours) of structured training, including a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), as stated.

To ensure tailored guidance, training will be conducted in small groups of 35 to 45 participants. Upon completion, each beneficiary will receive a stipend of Rs 4,800 (Rs 400 per day), along with Rs 100 per day for meals.

Participants will also be given essential toolkits post-training, including foot-operated sewing machines where necessary.

A significant aspect of the scheme is digital onboarding. Each artisan will have an e-catalogue created featuring their profile, photographs, and product details. These will be uploaded onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, providing their products visibility across India and internationally.

Additionally, the scheme includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which will formally certify the skills and experience of traditional artisans already engaged in their crafts.