Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has given the green light to the ‘Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme’ to aid artisans in khadi, handloom, cottage industries, and the unorganized sector. The scheme, approved during a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, will be executed through the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB). In its initial phase, the scheme will train 3,728 beneficiaries in 2025–26, with an allocated budget of Rs 8.95 crore.
The focus of the scheme’s first phase will be on approximately 18,000 tailors registered on the e-Shram portal. Over time, the program will expand to encompass other traditional occupations like embroiderers, dressmakers, potters, carpenters, cobblers, and more. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, with only one family member eligible per household. Government employees and their relatives are excluded from the scheme.
Delhi’s Industries Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, emphasized that the initiative aims to provide dignity and self-reliance to numerous families. The courses offered under the scheme, including merchandising, logistics, IT operations, and fashion production, will create new job and entrepreneurial prospects for artisans. The training will also equip beneficiaries with essential toolkits and digital platforms to market their products globally.
Announcing the scheme, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of modern training and market access for Delhi’s artisans to thrive in the evolving economy. She emphasized the need for artisans to upgrade their skills and embrace digital platforms for sustainable progress. The scheme’s structured training will include a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) and personalized guidance in small batches to ensure effective skill development.
