PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Empowering artisans and craftsmen

On the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the PM Vishwakarma scheme simultaneously at seventy different locations across the country. This initiative is designed to offer financial assistance and to enhance the skills of traditional artisans and craftsmen. 

• Under the scheme, the artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
• Lower interest rates to support their work.
• The scheme will also include skill improvement, toolkit incentives, digital transaction incentives, and marketing assistance.

Image Credit: Pixabay

The PM Vishwakarma scheme was virtually launched at seventy locations across the country by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti on 17 September 2023. The scheme is focused on enhancing the livelihoods of traditional artisans and craftsmen. The key objective of the scheme is to enhance the quality and expand the market reach of products and services offered by artisans and craftspeople, with a focus on integrating them into both local and global value chains.

What is the aim of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

The Vishwakarma scheme strives to integrate artisans, known as Vishwakarmas, into both national and global value chains. This scheme is designed to provide comprehensive, end-to-end support to Vishwakarmas, enabling them to advance in their respective trades and significantly improve the way they practice their occupations. Ultimately, it aims to bring about a significant positive change in how artisans and craftspeople conduct their work, which will result in an improved socio-economic status and overall quality of life for them.

1. PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, with an initial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.
2. The scheme will be jointly administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India.
3. MoMSME will serve as the primary ministry responsible for the scheme, and the Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner (MSME) in the Ministry of MSME will oversee all aspects of implementation and coordination.
4. PM Vishwakarma will have an initial implementation period of five years, concluding in 2027-28.

Eighteen traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma
1	Carpenter	10	Cobbler (Charmkar)/Shoesmith/Footwear artisan
2	Boat Maker	11	Mason
3	Armourer	12	Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver
4	Blacksmith	13	Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional)
5	Hammer and Tool Kit Maker	14	Barber
6	Locksmith	15	Garland maker
7	Goldsmith	16	Washerman
8	Potter	17	Tailor
9	Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver)	18	Fishing Net Maker

Source: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises

Eligibility criteria for the scheme

• Artisan or craftsperson in specified traditional trades.
• Minimum age: 18 years at registration.
• Currently engaged in the trade; not availed similar government loans in the past 5 years, except repaid MUDRA and SVANidhi loans.
• Registration is limited to one family member (husband, wife, unmarried children).
• Excludes government employees and their family members.

Benefits provided under the scheme

PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card

Artisans and craftspeople will be issued a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and a PM Vishwakarma ID Card, both featuring a unique digital identification number. This certificate serves as recognition, designating the holder as a Vishwakarma and granting access to all PM Vishwakarma Scheme benefits. Beneficiaries will receive both digital and physical copies of the PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card.

Skill up-gradation

The PM Vishwakarma scheme’s skill development component aims to enhance the capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople proficient in using traditional tools. It consists of three core elements: Skill Verification, Basic Skill Training, and Advanced Skill Training. This initiative incorporates modern tools, design concepts, and integration into the sector’s value chain. It also covers aspects that enable artisans to access toolkit usage, marketing support, enterprise expansion through credit, and digital transaction benefits, thus modernizing their skills and opening doors to wider opportunities.

Skill Verification and Basic Skill Training

• Skill Verification: It is the primary step in PM Vishwakarma’s skill enhancement journey. It assesses artisans’ current skills, their familiarity with modern tools, and any knowledge gaps.
• Basic Training: Skill Verification, the initial step in PM Vishwakarma, assesses artisans’ skills and tool familiarity, guiding the subsequent skill development process, conducted before Basic Training.

Advanced Skill Training

After completing Basic Skill Training, interested beneficiaries can enrol in Advanced Skill Training, lasting 15 days or more. This advanced training focuses on deepening entrepreneurial knowledge and facilitating the transition from self-employment to establishing an enterprise. It covers advanced technologies, design concepts, and value chain linkages with industry partners. Video manuals on toolkits are provided, and beneficiaries are informed about the second loan tranche of up to Rs. 2 lakh available under the scheme. Assessment and NSQF certification are offered, along with free boarding, lodging, and wage compensation during training.

The outreach, information dissemination, and mobilization of Vishwakarmas for Skill Verification, Basic, and Advanced Training are managed by MSDE in collaboration with the District Implementation Committee, supervised by the State Level Committee. Existing training infrastructure like PMKKs, ITIs, and MSME technology centres are utilized for skill development, with data recorded on the Skill India Digital portal for continuous updates and opportunities.

Toolkit Incentive

Beneficiaries receive a Rs. 15,000 toolkit incentive at the beginning of Basic Training, delivered via e-RUPI/e-vouchers for acquiring improved toolkits. Digital guides and video tutorials aid them in using modern tools effectively, boosting productivity and product quality.

Enterprise Development Loan

PM Vishwakarma provides collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans.’ The total loan assistance is Rs 3,00,000, with the first tranche up to Rs 1,00,000 and the second up to Rs 2,00,000. Skilled beneficiaries with a standard loan account, digital transactions, or Advanced Skill Training can access the second tranche after repaying the first.

Tranches	Amount of Loan (In Rs.)	Tenure of Repayment (In months)
1st Tranche	Upto 1,00,000	18 months
2nd Tranche	Upto 2,00,000	30 months

Final word

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme represents a promising endeavour to uplift India’s traditional artisans and craftsmen. By offering financial support, skill enhancement, and recognition through certificates and ID cards, it aims to modernize traditional trades and integrate them into global value chains. With substantial government funding and a focus on skill development, toolkit incentives, and enterprise loans, the scheme intends to catalyze a positive socio-economic transformation for artisans. This initiative not only preserves traditional crafts but also opens new doors of opportunity, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of India’s artisans continues to thrive while improving their livelihoods and overall well-being.