Introduction

PM Vishwakarma scheme In honor of ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti,‘ Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion
by introducing the ‘PM Vishwakarma initiative, aimed at benefiting traditional
artisans. During his address to the nation from the historic Red Fort on the
77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi had previously unveiled his plan to
launch a scheme designed to support individuals skilled in traditional
craftsmanship. On his 73rd birthday on 17-09-2023, he officially inaugurated the Vishwakarma
Scheme. The launch event took place at the India International Convention and
Expo Centre in Dwarka, where Prime Minister Modi also unveiled 18 postal stamps
and a Toolkit Booklet.

In the unveiling of the Vishwakarma scheme, Prime
Minister Modi explained, “Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, the government
will extend loans of up to ₹3 lakhs without requiring any bank guarantee. We
have also ensured that the interest rate remains exceptionally low. The
government has decided to initially provide a ₹1 lakh loan, and upon repayment,
an additional ₹2 lakh loan will be made available to Vishwakarma partners.”

Key Features of the Vishwakarma Scheme:

Full Funding: PM Vishwakarma’s scheme is entirely
funded by the Union government, with a substantial allocation of ₹13,000 crore.

Registration Process: 

Prospective beneficiaries
will be registered at no cost through common services centers using the
biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

Artisan Support: 

The scheme aims to provide
support to artisans and craftspeople, both in rural and urban areas across
India.

Covered Trades: 

Initially, the scheme will cover
18 traditional trades, including carpenters (Suthar), boat makers, armorers,
blacksmiths, hammer and tool kit makers, locksmiths, goldsmiths, potters
(Kumhaar), sculptors, stone breakers, cobblers, masons, basket/mat/broom
makers, coir weavers, doll and toy makers (traditional), barbers, garland
makers, washermen, tailors, and fishing net makers.

Phased Implementation: 

In the first year, the
scheme will reach five lakh families, with a total of 30 lakh families expected
to benefit over five years from FY24 to FY28.

Quality Enhancement: 

The primary focus of the
scheme is to enhance the quality and expand the reach of products and services
offered by artisans and craftspeople, integrating them into both domestic and
global value chains.

Recognition and Skill Upgradation: 

Beneficiaries
will receive recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card,
along with opportunities for skill enhancement through basic and advanced
training.

Apply Online Click Here

Toolkit Incentive: 

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme
includes a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to
₹1 lakh (first tranche), and ₹2 lahks (second tranche) at a concessional
interest rate of 5%. Additionally, incentives for digital transactions and
marketing support will be provided.

Conclusion

This comprehensive scheme underscores the
government’s commitment to preserving and empowering traditional craftsmanship,
ensuring the well-being of artisans, and promoting the cultural heritage of
India.