Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, a Central Sector initiative, with the aim of providing comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople who contribute to India’s cultural heritage through their handcrafted creations. This visionary scheme encompasses 18 diverse trades viz.
- Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai);
- Boat Maker;
- Armourer;
- Blacksmith (Lohar);
- Hammer and Tool Kit Maker;
- Locksmith;
- Goldsmith (Sonar);
- Potter (Kumhaar);
- Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker;
- Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan;
- Mason (Rajmistri);
- Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver;
- Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional);
- Barber (Naai);
- Garland maker (Malakaar);
- Washerman (Dhobi);
- Tailor (Darzi); and
- Fishing Net Maker.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme offers the following key benefits to these artisans and craftspeople:
1. Recognition: Artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition through the issuance of PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards, affirming their valuable contributions to society.
2. Skill Upgradation: The scheme includes both Basic Training, lasting 5-7 days, and Advanced Training, lasting 15 days or more, along with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day to empower artisans with enhanced skills.
3. Toolkit Incentive: Participants will receive a toolkit incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the onset of Basic Skill Training, facilitating access to essential tools.
4. Credit Support: Artisans can access collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh, disbursed in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh, with repayment tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively. These loans come with a concessional interest rate fixed at 5%, complemented by an 8% Government of India subvention. Beneficiaries who complete Basic Training are eligible for the first tranche of credit support, with the second tranche available to those who maintain a standard loan account and embrace digital transactions in their businesses or have undergone Advanced Training.
5. Incentive for Digital Transactions: To promote digital financial inclusion, beneficiaries will receive an incentive of Re. 1 per digital transaction, up to a maximum of 100 transactions monthly, credited directly to their accounts for each digital pay-out or receipt.
6. Marketing Support: The scheme extends marketing support to artisans and craftspeople, encompassing quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity, and various marketing activities designed to enhance their connection to the value chain.
Additionally, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to integrate beneficiaries into the formal Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem via the Udyam Assist Platform, recognizing them as ‘entrepreneurs.’
Enrollment of beneficiaries is facilitated through Common Service Centers, leveraging Aadhaar-based biometric authentication on the PM Vishwakarma portal. The process involves a three-step verification, comprising verification at the Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body (ULB) level, vetting and recommendation by the District Implementation Committee, and final approval by the Screening Committee.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme represents a landmark initiative to empower and uplift India’s skilled artisans and craftsmen, enabling them to thrive and contribute even more significantly to the nation’s heritage and economy.
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Read the press release on the launch of PM Vishwakarma Yojana