Dulloo Sets a target of 30,000 credit linkages by Mar’ 2026
Jammu: Chairing a high-level review meeting of PM Vishwakarma Scheme Saturday, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo directed the concerned departments and banking institutions to give a major strategic push for improving credit uptake under this scheme here. He stressed that credit linkage is a significant pillar of the programme and must progress in tandem with training, toolkit distribution, and capacity-building components. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C), Vikramjit Singh; Secretary, Labour & Employment, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan; Managing Director, J&K Bank; Director, L&E; Directors, I&C Jammu/Kashmir, and senior officers of these Departments.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address the disparity between sanctioned loans and actual disbursements, urging banks to streamline their processes to ensure timely fund distribution to beneficiaries. He set a goal for the Union Territory to elevate its disbursement rate to at least the national average of 70 percent, highlighting the importance of providing financial assistance to artisans, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities. This support aims to help them modernize their tools, improve productivity, and expand their traditional crafts. In line with the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, the Chief Secretary has established an ambitious target of achieving 30,000 credit linkages by March 2026. He also directed the integration of eligible artisans into the YUVA Mission to facilitate access to enhanced support for entrepreneurship development. During the meeting, progress on skill training, toolkit delivery, and artisan onboarding was reviewed, with a strong emphasis on accelerating credit linkage as a vital enabler for artisans to upgrade their tools and adopt modern practices. The Commissioner Secretary of Industries and Commerce reported that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved the top rank among Union Territories for registrations under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, indicating effective outreach efforts. As of November 28, 2025, J&K ranks 11th nationally in loan sanctions, with 14,028 cases sanctioned totaling approximately Rs129.74 crore, and 9,128 cases disbursed amounting to Rs79.66 crore. However, it was noted that many beneficiaries, particularly rural artisans, remain hesitant to take loans due to concerns about repayment timelines and limited financial literacy. To address these challenges, the Industries & Commerce Department, in collaboration with J&K Bank, has initiated a targeted intervention plan. This plan includes district-wise mapping of sanctioned but non-availed beneficiaries, organizing on-spot loan camps to expedite processing, and conducting extensive awareness campaigns across various districts. These efforts aim to boost beneficiary confidence and ensure timely access to financial support, ultimately maximizing the benefits of the scheme.
