Around 110 beneficiaries under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme attended a training programme aimed at enhancing their technical skills, knowledge for market access, and entrepreneur capabilities. It was held at the District Industries Centre here recently.

Organised by the MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Chennai, in coordination with Puducherry District Administration, the training programme saw participation by traditional artisans who are working as doll/toy makers, goldsmiths, sculptors, cobblers, and basket/coir weavers in Puducherry.

An official release, here, said the programme was aimed at improving business opportunities and enhancing the livelihood of traditional artisans. Speakers explained various benefits being extended by the Central government under the PM Vishwakarma scheme to the artisans. The programme featured a series of technical sessions aimed at enhancing the capacity and market readiness of the beneficiaries under the scheme. 

The Indian Institute of Packaging, Chennai, conducted a session on product packaging, labelling and design, highlighting their importance in marketing of products. Members from the Export Promotion Council Hub, Bengaluru, gave lectures on opportunities and avenues for accessing international market.

There was also a session on Artificial Intelligence along with facilitation for the onboarding of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries on Udyam Registration Portal, thereby promoting digital adoption and formalisation among artisans and craftspeople, the release said.

K. Dhayalan, Joint Director and Head of Office, MSME, DFO office Chennai, Jayaraman, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Puducherry and Preetika Sharma, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO, spoke at the inaugural session, the release added.