On September 17, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana (PM Vishwakarma Scheme), a new Central Sector Scheme aimed at empowering traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 13,000 crore over a period of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a comprehensive initiative that seeks to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, enabling them to scale up their conventional products and services, and integrate with the domestic and global value chains. The scheme covers a wide range of aspects, including skill development, credit support, marketing assistance, and digital empowerment.
Key Features of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
- Skill development: The scheme provides skill upgradation training to artisans and craftspeople, both in basic and advanced skills. The training is designed to enhance their productivity, quality, and marketability.
- Credit support: The scheme provides collateral-free credit support of up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche, at a concessional interest rate of 5%. This will help artisans and craftspeople to invest in new tools and equipment, and expand their businesses.
- Marketing assistance: The scheme provides marketing support to artisans and craftspeople to help them reach new markets and sell their products and services at a better price. This includes branding, advertising, and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
- Digital empowerment: The scheme encourages digital empowerment among artisans and craftspeople by providing incentives for digital transactions. This will help them to adopt modern technologies and improve their efficiency.
Benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is expected to benefit a large number of traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. The scheme will help them to:
- Enhance their skills and productivity
- Upgrade their tools and equipment
- Expand their businesses
- Reach new markets and sell their products and services at a better price
- Adopt modern technologies and improve their efficiency
Overall, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a significant step forward in the Government of India’s efforts to support and promote traditional crafts and handicrafts. The scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihood of millions of artisans and craftspeople, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.
How to Apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
To apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, artisans and craftspeople can visit the official website of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises at https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/. The online application form will be available from September 17, 2023.
Eligibility Criteria for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, artisans and craftspeople must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Indian citizen
- Be a traditional artisan or craftsperson
- Be aged between 18 and 60 years
- Have a valid Aadhaar card and PAN card
Documents Required to Apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The following documents are required to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Bank account details
- Artisan certificate or other relevant document to prove that the applicant is a traditional artisan or craftsperson
Selection Process for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The selection of beneficiaries for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme will be done on a merit-cum-means basis. The following factors will be considered:
- Skill level of the applicant
- Productivity of the applicant
- Business potential of the applicant
- Financial needs of the applicant
Implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme will be implemented through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The MSDE has set up a National Project Management Unit (NPMU) to oversee the implementation of the scheme.
The NPMU will work with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to identify eligible beneficiaries, provide them with training and support, and monitor the progress of the scheme.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a timely and well-conceived initiative that has the potential to transform the lives of millions of traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. The scheme is expected to help them to enhance their skills, productivity, and income, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.
