Kohima: Nagaland has registered 25,239 Vishwakarmas, with 4,590 artisans clearing all three verification stages to access government benefits. Mohd Ali Rahman, Director of the MSME-DFO in Dimapur, shared these figures during a branding workshop at Hotel Saramati on September 2. The event was a joint effort between the Ministry of MSME, the Department of Industries and Commerce, and the District Industries Centre.
Economic momentum is building for local creators. Officials have delivered 884 toolkits, while 1,900 artisans finished trade training. Banks sanctioned 419 loans totaling Rs 4.07 crore, and 404 of those loans worth Rs 3.91 crore reached the recipients. Digital expansion is also underway. Thirty-three artisans are now active on Meesho, with others selling goods through Amazon.
The workshop focused on modernizing operations for the state's traditional workers. Experts led sessions on packaging, export growth, financial literacy, and digital payments. "Rahman highlighted the scheme's support for artisans in promoting and selling their products through digital marketplaces and encouraged beneficiaries to explore wider market opportunities."
Sessions included instruction from Imliakum of Nagaland Paper and Packaging Hub and Paweii Kayina of Moneybar. Talinaro Longchar from the State Bank of India guided attendees through credit applications. Officials also handed out eight loan sanction letters on-site. India Post Payments Bank staff demonstrated QR-code systems for digital payments, and the State Programme Management Unit provided training on artificial intelligence and e-commerce.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme covers 18 traditional trades. It offers toolkit incentives up to Rs 15,000 and collateral-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh at a 5% interest rate. Those seeking more details should visit pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
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