Chief Minister's Proficiency Test for Students ▪ The government examination department has announced that government school 10th standard students can apply from November 30 for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Proficiency Test, which provides monthly educational assistance of Rs.1000. ▪ Students studying 10th standard in government schools under Tamil Nadu State curriculum in the current academic year can apply for this test. ▪ A total of 1,000 people (500 boys and 500 girls) will be selected based on current reservation policies. ▪ They will receive Rs.1,000 per month, totaling Rs.10,000 per academic year as educational assistance. ▪ The test will include multiple-choice questions from 9th and 10th standard Mathematics, Science, and Social Science subjects. Not to implement the PM Vishwakarma ▪ Chief Minister informed the Centre that Tamil Nadu will not implement the PM Vishwakarma scheme in its current form. ▪ The Centre did not consider Tamil Nadu's concerns about caste-based discrimination within the scheme. ▪ Tamil Nadu plans to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme. ▪ The Prime Minister's attention has been drawn to these issues. PM Vishwakarma Scheme ▪ Launched on 17th September, 2023 by the Prime Minister. ▪ Target Beneficiaries: Supports artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades (e.g., carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, cobblers, etc.). Benefits to Artisans and Craftspeople ▪ Certificate and ID card for artisans and craftspeople. ▪ Basic Training (5-7 days) and Advanced Training (15 days or more) with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day. ▪ Credit Support: Collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 3 lakh
