Vishwakarma yojana is nothing but Rajaji’s hereditary education system, says Veeramani

BJP govt's Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana revives C. Rajagopalachari's Modified System of Elementary Education. Veermani says scheme encourages 18+ to avail ₹1 lakh loan for hereditary business, risking social progress. Venkatesan questions scheme providing loan for family business when banks reject student loan requests.

“The ruling BJP government, through its Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, is bringing back the hereditary education system (Modified System of Elementary education) introduced by former Chief Minister C. Rajagopalachari,” said Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veermani. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony plenary against the Vishwakarma Yojana, he said the conference which was started 20 days ago in Nagapattinam to condemn and oppose the scheme was instrumental in reaching out to the people about the harm the scheme would bring if implemented.  

“The central government encourages anyone who is 18 and above to avail themselves of the ₹1 lakh loan under the scheme to continue with their hereditary business, whether it is cobbling or masonry or tailoring,” he said.  

Through this, the youngster would most probably prefer to discontinue his education to continue the family occupation, Mr. Veeramani said. “Further, the scheme has mentioned that the business should involve the use of hands and tools. This is one of the key eligibilities for a person to get the loan,” he added.  

This scheme reiterates what Rajagopalachari introduced in the assembly which was opposed vehemently by Periyar and members of Congress themselves, he said.  “If the scheme is implemented, the children of the most of the people will have to return to their parents’ business. This could jeopardise the social progressiveness our country has achieved through the Constitution,” he said.  

This scheme is an extension of some of the contentious moves of the union government like NEET and CUET, he added.