PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Empowering Traditional Artisans

Launched on September 17, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana stands as a significant initiative by the Government of India to uplift and empower traditional artisans and craftspeople across the nation. This central sector scheme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), aims to integrate these skilled individuals into the formal economy, enhance their capabilities, and provide them with the necessary tools for growth and self-reliance.

The scheme recognizes artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 specific traditional trades, including carpenters, boat makers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, masons, basket makers, doll and toy makers, barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors, and fishing net makers. By acknowledging them as 'Vishwakarma', the scheme seeks to provide them with a comprehensive package of support.

A key feature of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is the provision of skill upgradation. Registered artisans receive basic training lasting 5-7 days, with a daily stipend of ₹500. For those seeking advanced skills, a 15-day training program is also available. Following the basic training, beneficiaries receive a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 to help them procure modern and better tools, enhancing their productivity and the quality of their products.

Financial assistance is a crucial component of the scheme. It offers collateral-free 'Enterprise Development Loans' in two tranches. The first tranche provides up to ₹1 lakh with an 18-month repayment period, while the second tranche offers up to ₹2 lakh with a 30-month repayment period, available after the satisfactory repayment of the first loan. These loans are provided at a concessional interest rate of 5%, with the government subsidizing the interest by up to 8%.

Furthermore, the scheme encourages digital empowerment by providing an incentive of ₹1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions per month. It also extends marketing support through the National Marketing Committee, assisting artisans with quality certification, branding, e-commerce linkages, and participation in trade fairs.

To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans and craftspeople must be engaged in one of the 18 identified trades on a self-employment basis in the unorganized sector. They should be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration and should not have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes in the past five years. Only one member per family is eligible for the scheme's benefits.

The implementation process involves a three-tier verification, starting at the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body level, followed by vetting and recommendation by the District Implementation Committee, and final approval by a Screening Committee. Registration is done free of charge through Common Service Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. Upon successful registration, beneficiaries receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID card, granting them access to the various benefits under the scheme.

In essence, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a holistic initiative aimed at preserving India's rich artisanal heritage while equipping traditional craftspeople with the skills, tools, financial support, and market access needed to thrive in the modern economy, fostering self-reliance and contributing to the nation's economic growth.