CM Stalin launches ‘Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam’ as T.N.’s alternative to PM Vishwakarma scheme - The Hindu

Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam: Tamil Nadu's Alternative

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the ‘Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam’ scheme as a more inclusive alternative to the central government's PM Vishwakarma scheme. The CM criticized the PM Vishwakarma scheme for lacking social justice features and having a minimum age of 18 years, which he believes is too young to commit to a family trade.

Key Differences and Features

Unlike the PM Vishwakarma scheme which focuses solely on family-based trades, the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam allows artisans to choose their trades. It also raises the minimum age to 35 years. Loans range from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh with subsidies, unlike the central scheme which offers no subsidies. Over 24,000 applications have been received so far.

Additional Announcements

• Increased subsidy for Geographical Indications (GI) tags to ₹1 lakh.
• Establishment of a metrology and metallurgy laboratory in Ambattur.
• Infrastructure development in Pazhanthandalam.
• A new training center in Kakkalur Industrial Estate.
• Increased financial assistance for micro and small enterprises for trade fairs to ₹2 lakh.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated three clusters under the Micro Cluster Development Programme.