Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme (PM Vishwakarma) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 17th September, 2023 to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople from eighteen 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.
Benefits of the scheme
The Scheme envisages provisioning of the following benefits to the artisans and crafts persons:
- Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
- Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
- Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
- Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh with tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively, at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%, with Government of India subvention to the extent of 8%. Beneficiaries who have completed Basic Training will be eligible to avail the first tranche of credit support of upto Rs. 1 lakh. The second loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed the 1st tranche and maintained a standard loan account and have adopted digital transactions in their business or have undergone Advanced Training.
- Incentive for Digital Transaction: An amount of Re. 1 per digital transaction, upto maximum 100 transactions monthly will be credited to the beneficiary’s account for each digital pay-out or receipt.
- Marketing Support: Marketing support will be provided to the artisans and craftspeople in the form of quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities to improve linkage to value chain.
The Program will also incorporate the recipients into the official MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) landscape as ‘entrepreneurs’ through the Udyam Assist Platform. The beneficiaries’ registration will be facilitated via Common Service Centers, involving Aadhaar-based biometric verification on the PM Vishwakarma portal. The registration process will entail a three-stage validation process, including verification at the Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body level, assessment and endorsement by the District Implementation Committee, and final approval by the Screening Committee.
For more details visit the following links:
How to avail the Scheme Benefits | Frequently Asked Questions | Guidelines of PM Vishwakarma Scheme
