Empowering Artisans and Craftsmen: PM Vishwakarma Scheme
In a significant stride towards fostering traditional skills and crafts, the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry recently launched the Training of Master Trainers and Assessors Programme under the much-anticipated PM Vishwakarma scheme. This Central Sector Scheme, initiated in 2023 under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), aims to strengthen the Guru-Shishya parampara, enhance the quality and reach of artisanal products and services, and integrate artisans with domestic and global value chains.
| Aspect | Details |
| Scheme Name | PM Vishwakarma Scheme |
| Initiation Year | 2023 |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) |
| Objectives | 1. Preserve Guru-Shishya Parampara
2. Improve the quality of artisanal products and services 3. Incorporate artisans into both domestic and global value chains. |
| Salient Features | 1. Recognition and Certification
2. Credit Support 3. Skill Learning Programs 4. Training Opportunities 5. Financial Support for Tools 6. Wide Sector Coverage 7. Stipend for Participants |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. Indian Citizenship
2. Artisan or Craftsman in covered trades 3. No Age Limit |
| Financial Support | Up to Rs.1 lakh (First Tranche) and Rs.2 lakh (Second Tranche) with a preferential interest rate of 5%. |
| Skill Development | Enhancing skills, providing toolkit incentives, encouraging digital transactions, and offering marketing support. |
| Training Programs | Basic and Advanced training programs for artisans |
| Tools Support | Financial support of up to ₹15,000 for the procurement of modern tools |
| Stipend for Participants | Rs 500 per day for those participating in training programs |
| Sector Coverage | Eighteen traditional trades, including Carpenter, Blacksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Tailor, etc. |
| Conclusion | The scheme aims to preserve cultural heritage, empower artisans, and contribute to the growth of the traditional crafts sector. |
Source: AIR
Unlocking Governance: Governors’ Role in Bill Clearance
In recent times, a wave of discontent has swept through non-BJP ruled states as they accuse their Governors of unduly delaying crucial bills’ approval. The bills, spanning public health, higher education, Lokayukta, and cooperative societies, are caught in a bureaucratic limbo, hindering progress in various sectors.
The Accusations: A Constitutional Deadlock
Tamil Nadu’s Stand: Governor R.N. Ravi stands accused of creating a “constitutional deadlock” by withholding assent to bills, thus challenging the citizens’ mandate.
Kerala’s Prolonged Wait: Kerala highlights the stagnation of eight proposed laws, some pending for years, emphasizing the urgent need for governors’ decisions.
Punjab’s Administrative Halt: Punjab voices concern over seven bills stuck with the Governor since June, risking a potential “grinding halt” in the state’s administration.
The Constitutional Framework: Article 200
The accusations prompt a closer look at Article 200 of the Constitution, outlining the governor’s options when presented with a bill. The first proviso of Article 200 allows the governor to declare assent, withhold assent (for non-Money Bills), or reserve the law for the President’s consideration if it jeopardizes the power of judicial review.
Governors’ Discretion: Historical Context
While governors once had discretion to return bills, the Constituent Assembly amended the provision in 1949. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasized the incompatibility of gubernatorial discretion with responsible government, asserting that governors should act on the advice of the elected ministry.
| Power | President | Governor | Relevant Articles | Explanation |
| 1. Assent to Bills | Grants assent to bills for their enactment into law. | Grants assent to bills for their enactment into law. | Article 111 (President’s assent) | The President has the power to either give assent or withhold assent to a bill. The Governor, in a state context, has a similar power to give or withhold assent to bills. |
| 2. Return of Bills | Can return a non-money bill for reconsideration once. | Can return a non-money bill for reconsideration once. | Article 111 (President’s veto power) | If the President disagrees with a non-money bill, they can return it to the Parliament for reconsideration. The same power is vested in the Governor for state bills. |
| 3. Pocket Veto | Can withhold assent to a bill by not taking any action. | Can withhold assent to a bill by not taking any action. | Article 111 (President’s veto power) | The President can use a “pocket veto” by neither giving nor withholding assent to a bill, effectively preventing it from becoming law. Similarly, a Governor has this power at the state level. |
| 4. Money Bills | Must give assent within 14 days without the power to return. | Must give assent within 14 days without the power to return. | Article 111 (President’s assent to money bills) | Money bills, related to taxation or expenditure, must receive the President’s assent within a specific timeframe, and the President cannot return a money bill for reconsideration. |
| 5. Reservation of Bills | Can set aside certain bills for the consideration of the President. | Can set aside certain bills for the consideration of the President. | Article 200 (Governor’s power to reserve bills) | The Governor, in certain cases, can reserve bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President. This is to ensure uniformity with national laws. |
| 6. Dissolution of Lok Sabha | Can withhold assent to bills if Lok Sabha is dissolved. | Can withhold assent to bills if State Assembly is dissolved. | Article 111 (President’s power during dissolution) | If the Lok Sabha (or State Assembly) is dissolved, the President (or Governor) can withhold assent to bills, preventing them from becoming law until a new Lok Sabha (or Assembly) is formed. |
| 7. Reservation of Money Bills | N/A | The Governor can reserve money bills for the consideration of the President. | Article 201 (Governor’s power to reserve money bills) | The Governor can reserve money bills, related to taxation or expenditure, for the consideration of the President. This ensures alignment with national financial principles. |
Role of Governors: No Independent Action
Article 163 elucidates that governors are not anticipated to function autonomously. The Supreme Court, in the Shamsher Singh case, asserted that governors exercise powers on the aid and advice of their Council of Ministers, except in areas requiring independent discretion.
Timeline for Decision: Interpreting “As Soon As Possible”
The first proviso of Article 200 states that the governor should return the bill “as soon as possible.” The Supreme Court, in the Durga Pada Ghosh case, interpreted this to mean “at the earliest feasible time without unnecessary delay” is the intended meaning. Justice Nariman also recommended a ‘reasonable duration,’ setting it at three months in the Keisham Megha Chandra Singh case.
Call for Reform: Fixing Time Limits
States now appeal to the Supreme Court to interpret and define a time limit for governors to assent or return bills. The 1988 Sarkaria Commission recommended consultation with governors during bill drafting and setting deadlines for their disposal.
Legal Challenge: Revisiting Precedents
Kerala urges the Supreme Court to form a seven-judge Bench to review a 1962 case, challenging the notion that Article 200 lacks a specific time limit for governors’ decisions.
Conclusion: Balancing Act for Effective Governance
The current discontent highlights the delicate balance required for effective governance. While governors must respect the constitutional framework and act on the advice of elected representatives, defining reasonable timelines ensures timely decision-making. As the legal challenge unfolds, the outcome could set precedent, shaping the dynamics between state governments and governors in the pursuit of efficient governance.
Source: The Hindu
