Kohima: Zunheboto officials met on July 16 to untangle stalled progress on the PM Vishwakarma scheme. Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj chaired the session. He demanded better coordination between local agencies and banks. ‘While significant progress has been made, greater coordination among departments, financial institutions and training agencies is necessary to improve outcomes for artisans,’ Raj stated.
District Industries Centre General Manager N Toky Chishi reported that 183 artisans finished training. This includes 124 basket makers and 59 carpenters. ITI Zunheboto handled the instruction. Khelhoshe Polytechnic in Atoizu remains empty due to distance issues. Officials noted that 118 weavers and 25 carpenters still need training. Many carpenters refuse to participate.
Toolkits create another mess. The Ministry of MSME shipped 98 kits to basket makers. However, the official mobile application shows zero deliveries. Postal workers must use the app to log arrivals. The Ministry aims to clear the backlog before September 17, 2026.
Money remains the biggest obstacle. Banks rejected 131 loan applications. Applicants claim banks never called them. Others reported that the SBI Zunheboto branch wrongly demanded guarantors. Four of the 24 issued loans are already non-performing assets. Officials are now pushing eight new candidates for credit. Marketing also lags behind. Cheap plastic baskets are killing the demand for traditional bamboo goods. The committee suggests switching to banana fibre or jute to stay relevant.
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