Explaining the Tamil Nadu Anomaly: Federal Trust Asymmetry and Artisan Engagement with the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

G. Nirmalkumar; G. Kanagavalli; U. Arumugam; T. Gokila Devi

doi:10.34293/commerce.v14i1.9756

G. Nirmalkumar Doctoral Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3774-2189
G. Kanagavalli Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9506-5143
U. Arumugam Assistant Professor, Department of Corporate Secretaryship, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2068-356X
T. Gokila Devi Doctoral Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2992-408X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34293/commerce.v14i1.9756

Keywords: PM Vishwakarma Scheme, Artisanal Livelihoods, Welfare Uptake, Information Asymmetry, Bureaucratic Barriers, Tamil Nadu Anomaly, Structured Information Channels, Trade-specific Disparities, Policy Diffusion

Abstract

The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme has offered an entry point to cases of Tamil Nadu. Despite a strong artisanal base and welfare infrastructure, its participation is abnormally low. The study used what it called “a convergent mixed methods” design rooted in theories of diffusion of innovation and information asymmetry, and was carried out in two ways: by survey, with 412 artisans, and with 184 semi-structured interviews. But for the most part, the main predictors of scheme knowledge and application are still governed by which districts have higher digital readiness, higher basic education and have more structured information channels. Women in Kanyakumari had significantly higher odds of awareness by the time of the study, and the odds of participation were lower by 48% among beneficiaries of Tamil Nadu’s own state scheme, the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam; together these suggest a clear displacement effect in operation. Trade-wise, potters had the lowest odds of awareness, and goldsmiths had the highest. In particular, they identify bureaucracy, digital scepticism, misinformation, language, and lack of intermediary networks, as interdependent factors which act concurrently as barriers beyond simple lack of awareness. Overall, the study concludes that the persistence of institutional capacity gaps, digital unpreparedness, and Federal trust asymmetry in favour of state-led schemes, circumscribe PMVS uptake in Tamil Nadu. The study’s authors offer several suggestions in this regard, such as co-branded delivery models, vernacular digital designs, S.H.G.-linked facilitation and trade-sensitive policy adaptations to strengthen federal–state coordination to create more inclusive artisanal welfare pathways.