DAPORIJO, 15 May: The inaugural training programme for the first batch of basket making trainees under the PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched at the District Industries Centre (DIC) here on Upper Subansiri on Friday.

Addressing the participants, Assistant Director of Industries Chimpu Lombi exhorted the trainees to sincerely undergo the training programme and make optimum use of the opportunity provided under the scheme.

This was followed by an address from EI John Rai, who briefed the gathering on the various benefits and provisions of the PM Vishwakarma scheme. He highlighted the training requirements and informed the trainees about the benefits available under the scheme, including collateral-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh in two tranches, toolkit incentives worth Rs 15,000, and a daily stipend of Rs 500 during the training period.

Gusar ZPM Yalar Riddi encouraged the beneficiaries to attend the training regularly and sincerely. She also urged them to maintain financial propriety by repaying the loans properly, so that more deserving beneficiaries may avail the benefits of such government schemes in the future.

Daporijo CO Goken Koyu said that the government is working expeditiously towards uplifting the skills of common people and making them self-sufficient. He also cautioned the beneficiaries against turning the scheme’s benefits into non-performing assets (NPAs), saying that it should be avoided through responsible financial discipline.

EO Tato Paying also spoke.

Forty-five beneficiaries are attending the programme. Hands-on training is being provided by NSDC State Head Tate Diri, and district coordinator Toku Odo.