Following the change of government in the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed his grievances against the previous Trinamool administration at the conclusion of the first cabinet meeting held at Nabanna. He alleged that the previous government had deliberately obstructed the implementation of this scheme within the state. In his words: "From our blacksmiths, potters, goldsmiths, florists, weavers, and barbers—everyone among the 865,000 applicants who had applied—the previous government prevented their District Magistrates from forwarding these applications to the Central MSME department. We have now taken immediate measures to ensure the dispatch of those 865,000 application forms."
It is worth noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide 'PM Vishwakarma Yojana' on September 17, 2023. Administered under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the primary objective of this scheme is to foster the financial and social upliftment of the country's artists and artisans. It stands as one of the most significant initiatives aimed at showcasing the nation's indigenous production capabilities on the global stage.
Under the ambit of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans are provided with access to collateral-free loans. Additionally, the scheme offers benefits such as skill development training, financial assistance for acquiring modern tools and equipment, incentives for digital transactions, and market linkage support. It is anticipated that the launch of this scheme in Bengal will bring financial relief and benefits to a vast number of people, including the more than 865,000 applicants who have already applied. To ensure its rapid and effective implementation, a dedicated monitoring committee and 'District Implementation Committees' have been constituted.