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By Akant Garg, Assistant Manager, Industry Engagement THSC
The Indian government’s PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched in September 2023, is a game changer for traditional occupations, including the washerman profession. This initiative is designed to provide washermen with essential training, financial aid, and marketing support, helping them improve their skills, boost their earnings, and elevate their socio-economic standing.
Recognition and Certification A major highlight of the scheme is the official recognition and certification it offers to washermen. After completing the training program, participants receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, which validates their skills and occupation. This certification not only enhances their self-confidence but also improves their social standing, allowing them to negotiate better prices for their services and manage their businesses more effectively.
Skill Upgradation and Training To enhance their capabilities, washermen receive both basic and advanced training. The basic program spans 5-7 days, while advanced training lasts for 15 days or more, and participants are paid a stipend of Rs. 500 per day. These sessions cover modern washing and ironing techniques, significantly improving the productivity and service quality of washermen. With these upgraded skills, they can offer more efficient services, attract a larger customer base, and ultimately increase their earnings. Advanced training will be provided based on specific criteria, ensuring that participants meet the necessary qualifications to further enhance their expertise.
Financial Support and Marketing Assistance The scheme also provides washermen with access to collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh, disbursed in two tranches, along with concessional interest rates and government subsidies. Beyond financial aid, washermen benefit from marketing support, which includes quality certification, branding, and the opportunity to join e-commerce platforms. This comprehensive assistance allows them to expand their businesses and reach new markets.
Capacity Building and Training Milestones The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has played a pivotal role in supporting the washerman trade, achieving remarkable milestones within just eight months. THSC has successfully trained 105 master trainers and 675 regular trainers, significantly strengthening the capacity to impart skills to washermen.
Training for Trainers Master trainers participated in a rigorous 5-day residential program, focusing on both general and trade-specific knowledge. Meanwhile, regular trainers completed a 3-day online Training of Trainers (ToT) program, equipping them with the expertise to train washermen effectively.
Advanced Training Module The Ministry is set to launch an advanced training module soon, which will offer a 15-day program for certified washermen, further honing their skills. This advanced training will empower washermen to deliver specialized services, opening new avenues for higher earnings.
Training Resources THSC has developed an array of training resources, including:
These resources aim to support washermen at the grassroots level, ensuring their training is both comprehensive and practical.
Since its launch, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has made significant progress. Authorities have identified and supported 21,000 washermen, with 12,400 having completed the basic training program. Additionally, 995 washermen have been approved for the first level of loans, providing them with the financial resources needed to grow their businesses. As a five-year initiative, the scheme is expected to scale significantly, with the number of beneficiaries growing into lakhs, further empowering washermen across the country and driving long-term socio-economic development.
The scheme has gained strong traction in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana lead the way in terms of certified washermen, with over 10,700 individuals trained in these three states alone.
To ensure the successful implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, THSC has visited various dhobi ghats across the country, engaging with washermen at the grassroots level. They have collaborated with Dhobi Samaj leaders, NGOs, and industry partners, creating a robust support network to ensure the seamless execution of the project. These partnerships have been instrumental in driving awareness, organizing training programs, and facilitating access to financial and marketing resources.
The impact of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is already being felt by washermen across the country. Armed with improved skills, financial support, and increased earnings, many washermen are starting their own businesses, creating jobs, and offering better services. The scheme has also introduced digital literacy to the washerman trade, helping these workers expand their customer base and operate more efficiently.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a revolutionary initiative that is reshaping traditional occupations, particularly the washerman profession. By providing certification, skills training, financial aid, and marketing support, the scheme is helping washermen achieve financial independence, social recognition, and a better quality of life. As it continues to grow, addressing challenges and ensuring widespread access to its benefits will be critical to its long-term success. The washerman community is poised for a brighter future, thanks to this comprehensive and empowering initiative.
