SPIN scheme

 

Relevance

• GS 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population

 

Context

• Recently, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched a unique scheme called SPIN (Strengthening the Potential of India) to empower over 1100 people of the marginalized potters’ community in Varanasi.

 

Key points

• The SPIN scheme aims at infusing self-sustainability in the Indian pottery sector.
• KVIC also set up a pottery cluster under SFURTI Scheme in Varanasi.
• 80 potters from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Jharkhand have registered for financial assistance from the bank to begin their own business.
• Out of these, 110 artisans are from Varanasi.
• A total of 780 electric potter wheels were sanctioned to the participants of SPIN Scheme.
• Moreover, in Gujarat, KVIC distributed 50 charkhas to women artisans to engage them with self-employment and sustainable livelihood.

 

About SPIN scheme

• Unlike Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana, which is a subsidy-based program, SPIN Scheme enables the registered potters to get a direct loan from the banks under Pradhan Mantri Shishu Mudra Yojana.
• Under the SPIN Scheme, KVIC is acting as a facilitator for financial aid to potters through RBL bank and also providing training to the artisans, opting for this scheme.
• Under this scheme, there will be no financial burden on the exchequer and the loan will be repaid by the potter in easy instalments.
• Kashi Pottery Cluster was inaugurated in Varanasi. This is the first pottery cluster in Varanasi district set up by KVIC under the SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) Scheme.
• KVIC will facilitate potters to get easy loans from banks that will help the potters to diversify their activities and enhance their income. This will reduce their dependence on government subsidy and thus make our potters self-reliant.