PM Vishwakarma Yojana Empowering Artisans and Craftspeople
On September 17, 2023, Prime Minister Vishwakarma launched the PM Vishwakarma (PMV) scheme, a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople who rely on manual skills and tools for their livelihoods. Covering 18 trades, ranging from carpentry to doll making, the scheme aims to uplift these skilled workers through various initiatives.
Trades Covered Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
| Trade |
|---|
| 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) |
| Fishing Net Maker |
Benefits for Artisans and Craftspeople
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme offers a range of benefits to artisans and craftspeople:
- Recognition: Artisans receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, acknowledging their skills.
- Skill Upgradation: Basic and advanced training, along with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
- Toolkit Incentive: E-vouchers worth up to Rs. 15,000 provided at the beginning of basic skill training.
- Credit Support: Collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh, with concessional interest rates and government subvention.
- Incentive for Digital Transactions: Cashback for digital transactions, promoting digitalization in business.
- Marketing Support: Assistance in quality certification, branding, and onboarding on e-commerce platforms.
Additionally, the scheme integrates beneficiaries into the formal MSME ecosystem and ensures enrollment through Common Service Centres.
Objectives & Approaches
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 aims to:
Objectives:
- Promote training and skill development.
- Encourage the use of modern technology.
- Provide financial assistance without collateral.
- Promote online commerce.
- Facilitate market networking and brand promotion.
Approach:
- Guided step-by-step support for artisans.
- Preservation of cultural traditions and skills.
- Inclusion of artisans in the economic mainstream.
- Rollout in both urban and rural areas with district saturation.
- Special focus on empowering women and marginalized groups.
- Emphasis on health, pension, and insurance benefits.
Features of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme offers exclusive features:
- Scope and Coverage: Encompasses 18 traditional trades in rural and remote areas.
- Recognition and Support: Participants receive certificates and collateral-free credit.
- Skill Development and Empowerment: Offers stipends and tool kit assistance.
- Integration with Value Chains: Aims to integrate artisans into global value chains.
- Registration and Implementation: Artisans can register at village service centres with government support.
Benefits
Eligible beneficiaries can receive incentives ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 1,00,000, along with recognition and certification.
Skill Development and Empowerment
With a budget of Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000 crore over 5 years (2023-2028), the scheme offers a Rs 500 stipend for skill training and Rs 1,500 for contemporary tool purchases.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PM Vishwakarma scheme, artisans must:
- Be engaged in any of the 18 trades covered.
- Be over 18 years old.
- Not have family members employed by the government.
- Ensure benefits are availed by only one family member.
Required Documents for Online Application
Essential documents for application include Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank account passbook, educational qualification certificate, active mobile number, and passport size photograph.
Registration Process
Interested applicants can register through the official website by providing necessary details and following guidelines.
Application Process
After registration, applicants can fill out the application form online, attach required documents, and submit.
Access to Loans
In the initial phase, craft people can take quick loans of as much as Rs. 1,00,000 at a remarkably low 5% interest rate. In the subsequent segment, this lending restriction is extended to Rs. 2,00,000, nonetheless, with an equal favourable interest rate.
Checking Application Status
Applicants can check their application status on the official website by providing relevant details.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana seeks to empower artisans and craftspeople by providing skill development and employment opportunities. It acknowledges their contribution to society and aims to uplift their economic status through various supportive measures.
Alos Read: