SRINAGAR: To empower artisans and craftsmen trained under the PM Vishwakarma program, the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) conducted a series of awareness and onboarding events within the Kashmir division on December 24th, 27th and 30th, 2024. These events were hosted at government-authorized training institutes namely ITI Bemina, Government Polytechnic for Women and ITI Budgam, which are situated in the Srinagar and Budgam districts. The onboarding session was conducted by a team of consultants from the JKTPO, who presented a detailed overview of the benefits associated with the scheme.

The primary objective of the initiative is to substantially enhance the digital presence and market visibility of local artisans who are registered under the Vishwakarma scheme. By facilitating their integration into e-commerce platforms, JKTPO seeks to establish valuable marketing channels that pave the way for meaningful business prospects for these artisans.

This initiative represents a significant advancement in creating new opportunities for the PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, with a strong focus on promoting growth and development among local craftsmen. The program included awareness and capacity building sessions that attracted over 140 beneficiaries, particularly those specialised in masonry, carpentry, and tailoring.

Furthermore, participants were provided with comprehensive support in the development of product listings, which encompassed creation of compelling descriptions, the selection of appropriate imagery, and implementation of effective pricing strategies. In addition, the Government e-Marketplace (Gem), a national public procurement e-commerce platform, has successfully onboarded more than 80 beneficiaries trained under the PM Vishwakarma initiative.

Additionally, Kashmir Art & Craft Impex (KaCI), a local e-commerce entity in the valley, has integrated approximately 50 PM Vishwakarma-trained beneficiaries as sellers on its platform. In previous initiatives, the JKTPO has conducted various onboarding drives in collaboration with leading e-commerce partners. These initiatives have successfully facilitated onboarding of sellers, artisans, retailers, small merchants, and traders onto their respective platforms, thereby enabling them to promote their products on a global scale.

It has been planned to organize similar onboarding initiatives with prominent national e-commerce platforms and local enterprises across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. These efforts aim to promote self-reliance and support traditional artisanship within the region.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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