Honouring Artisans
PM Vishwakarma Yojana scheme provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India and will aid the poverty-alleviation efforts of the Government
It is noteworthy that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a significant initiative aimed at empowering artisans and craftspeople across India: the PM Vishwakarma Yojana on September 17, 2023, during Vishwakarma Jayanti at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi, approximately 2.59 crore individuals have applied for the scheme.
Following three rounds of verification, the registration process for around 23.97 lakh applicants has been successfully completed. Detailed information regarding this progress can be accessed on the official website of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana at pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, implemented by the Government of India, aims to offer comprehensive assistance to artisans and craftsmen. This scheme provides artisans with collateral-free credit, skill training, and low-interest loans without requiring any guarantee. Additionally, beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana receive toolkit incentives, marketing support, and incentives for digital transactions
The scheme, thus, reflects the government’s commitment to supporting traditional craftsmanship. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi on August 16, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to uplift individuals skilled in various traditional crafts, thereby preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.
The scheme targets a vital segment of the workforce engaged in the informal or unorganised sector, where artisans — referred to as Vishwakarma — work with their hands and tools in occupations such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting. These skills are often passed down through generations, adhering to the guru-shishya model of mentorship and training, which fosters the continuity of age-old traditions. By enhancing the quality and market accessibility of artisans’ products, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana seeks to integrate these skilled individuals into both domestic and global value chains.
Nearly 1 million registered artisans have benefited from toolkit incentives of up to Rs 15,000 through e-vouchers, enabling them to acquire modern tools that enhance their craftsmanship. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana stands as a testament to the Indian government’s dedication to revitalizing traditional crafts and supporting the artisans who embody the nation’s cultural diversity and heritage.
Notable Features
• PM Vishwakarma Yojana is fully funded by the Union Government with a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for a period of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027- 28).
• The Vishwakarmas are registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma Portal.
• The artisans and craftspeople are provided recognition through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card.
• They receive collateral-free credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%. The interest subvention by the Government of India will be to an extent of 8% and provided upfront to the banks.
• The scheme further provides craftsmen with methods of skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 and incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
Key Benefits
• Enhanced Access to Tooling Facilities: Improves MSMEs’ access to tooling resources, boosting their efficiency and productivity.
• Industry-Ready Manpower: Provides training programs to equip participants with skills that meet industry standards.
• Support for Process and Product Development: Facilitates development initiatives within relevant sectors to enhance competitiveness.
• Consultancy and Job Work Services: Offers tailored consultancy and job work to address the specific needs of various industries.
Who Can Apply
• Industrial Units: Targeted specifically for the MSME sector.
• Training Program Eligibility: Open to individuals from school dropouts to those holding an M.Tech degree.
It may be noted that 25 traditional trades are covered under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
PM Vishwakarma Yojana is, thus, an endeavour to uplift the Vishwakarmas of India who work tirelessly with their hands and tools, connecting them to the mainstream of development and making them self-reliant.
