MLA advises artisans to utilise govt schemes

MLA Appachu Ranjan advised artisans belonging to the unorganised sector to utilise government schemes meant for them.

He was speaking after distributing certificates to gold and silver craftsmen, during a programme organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Kodagu Akkasaliga Karmika Okkoota at Bal Bhavan in Madikeri on Friday.

“The gold jewellery we wear is a result of the devoted work of artisans. Behind the intricate jewellery in the showroom, there will be hundreds of craftsmen at work in the workshop, striving to bring perfection to the ornaments they prepare from solid gold. The hard work of gold and silver craftsmen should be valued,” he said.

He said that the Central government has been focusing on providing more benefits to workers from the unorganised sector. These workers will be guaranteed insurance, compensation and medical assistance of up to Rs 3 lakh. The certificate awarded to the craftsmen will help them avail compensation and other benefits from the government.

MLC Veena Acchaiah said that gold and silver craftsmen (Karigars) of traditional Kodava ornaments are now preparing other jewellery as well which is a positive sign.

Ministry of Skill development and Entrepreneurship covers 32 sectors. Under the programme of the ministry, artisans are provided training and certificates are awarded to them later. Such training camps are conducted in Udupi, Kodagu, Mysuru, Chamarajanagara and Mangaluru.

Akkasaliga Karmika Okkoota office bearer K Ravi Acharya and District Gold and Silver Merchants Association president K K Srinivas were present.