Daily Current Affairs : 3-August-2023
In 2016, the Indian government launched the PEHCHAN scheme with the aim of providing a new identity to handicraft artisans and ensuring they can access various welfare schemes. By issuing Aadhar-linked Pehchan Cards after thorough verification, the scheme seeks to empower artisans and uplift their livelihoods. This essay explores the key features of the PEHCHAN scheme and its potential impact on the lives of Indian handicraft artisans.
Providing an Identity and Access to Schemes
The primary objective of the PEHCHAN scheme is to provide a formal identity to handicraft artisans, thereby making them eligible for a range of benefits. Through the issuance of Pehchan Cards, artisans gain recognition and can access various handicraft schemes implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. This not only helps in ensuring that deserving artisans receive assistance but also enhances their visibility in the system.
Benefits and Opportunities
The PEHCHAN scheme brings with it a host of benefits and opportunities for the artisans. Some of the key features include:
- Baseline Survey & Mobilization of Artisans: The scheme aims to develop artisan clusters into self-reliant community enterprises. By promoting effective member participation and mutual cooperation, it helps in creating professionally managed artisan groups.
- Design & Technology Up-gradation: The scheme focuses on enhancing artisans’ skills by facilitating the development of innovative designs and prototypes for the global market. It also emphasizes the revival of endangered crafts and preservation of heritage, thus safeguarding the rich cultural traditions.
- Human Resource Development: To ensure the growth of the handicraft sector, the scheme provides support for training and upskilling the workforce. By creating a qualified and trained workforce, the scheme enhances the overall productivity and competitiveness of the artisans.
- Direct Benefit to Artisans: The PEHCHAN scheme extends welfare measures such as health and life insurance, recognition, and credit facilities. Moreover, it ensures the supply of modern tools and equipment to enhance the efficiency of artisans’ work.
- Infrastructure and Technology Support: To elevate the quality and competitiveness of Indian handicrafts in the global market, the scheme aims to develop world-class infrastructure. This includes modernizing production facilities and leveraging technology to optimize production processes.
- Research and Development: The scheme recognizes the importance of research and development in promoting handicrafts. By conducting surveys and studies, it seeks to identify challenges and opportunities, thus aiding policy planning and effective implementation.
- Marketing Support & Services: To promote artisans and their products, the scheme provides financial assistance and marketing support. This helps artisans reach a wider audience, both domestically and internationally.
Impact and Empowerment
The PEHCHAN scheme has the potential to empower handicraft artisans in several ways:
- Enhanced Socio-economic Status: By providing access to various welfare measures, the scheme improves the overall socio-economic status of artisans and their families.
- Skill Development: Through training and technology upgradation, artisans’ skills are honed, making them better equipped to face modern challenges.
- Market Access: The scheme’s focus on marketing support and services opens up new avenues for artisans to sell their products, thus increasing their income.
- Preservation of Heritage: With an emphasis on reviving endangered crafts and preserving heritage, the scheme contributes to safeguarding India’s rich cultural legacy.
- Empowered Artisan Clusters: By developing artisan clusters into self-reliant enterprises, the scheme fosters a sense of community and mutual support among artisans.
Important Points:
- PEHCHAN scheme launched in 2016 to provide a new identity to handicraft artisans.
- Aadhar-linked Pehchan Cards issued after verification, enabling access to various schemes.
- Artisans can avail benefits of all handicraft schemes by Ministry of Textiles.
- ID card allows easy loans at a nominal rate.
- ID cardholders receive life insurance and Rs. 1200 per year for children studying in Class IX to XII.
Key Features:
- Baseline survey & Mobilization of Artisans Hastshilp Vikash Yojana: Developing artisan clusters into self-reliant community enterprises with member participation.
- Design & Technology Up-gradation: Enhancing artisan skills, creating innovative designs, preserving heritage crafts.
- Human Resource Development: Providing qualified and trained workforce for the handicraft sector.
- Direct Benefit to Artisans: Welfare measures like health and life insurance, credit facilities, modern tools.
- Infrastructure and Technology Support: Developing world-class infrastructure to enhance product quality and competitiveness.
- Research and Development: Conducting surveys and studies to aid policy planning and initiatives.
- Marketing Support & Services: Providing financial assistance and promotion to artisans.
Impact and Empowerment:
- Enhanced socio-economic status for artisans and their families.
- Skill development through training and technology upgradation.
- Increased market access and income for artisans.
- Preservation of endangered crafts and cultural heritage.
- Empowered artisan clusters with a sense of community and mutual support.
Why In News
The PEHCHAN scheme empowers handicraft artisans by granting them a new and recognized identity, opening doors to a wide array of benefits from various government schemes. Through this initiative, these talented artisans can now access essential support and resources to further nurture their skills and secure a better future for themselves and their communities.
MCQs about The PEHCHAN Scheme’s Impact
-
What is the primary objective of the PEHCHAN scheme?
A. Promoting Indian handicrafts globally
B. Providing a new identity to handicraft artisans
C. Enhancing the skills of artisans through training
D. Establishing world-class infrastructure for handicraft production
-
What is the purpose of the Design & Technology Up-gradation under the PEHCHAN scheme?
A. Providing financial assistance to artisans
B. Training the workforce for the handicraft sector
C. Reviving endangered crafts and preserving heritage
D. Developing innovative designs for overseas markets
-
Which benefit do the ID cardholders under the PEHCHAN scheme receive?
A. Health and Life Insurance
B. Financial support for children’s education
C. Recognition and awards
D. Free supply of raw materials
-
How does the PEHCHAN scheme empower handicraft artisans?
A. By providing direct access to foreign markets
B. By offering financial assistance to start new businesses
C. By developing artisan clusters into self-reliant community enterprises
D. By encouraging artisans to work individually
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
