PM Vishwakarma Scheme

• 19 Sep 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India has launched the 'Prime Minister (PM) Vishwakarma Scheme' on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.

What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

• About:
  • The scheme is designed to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in various occupations like blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage and integrating them into the formal economy and global value chains.
  • It will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India.
• Ministry:
  • Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is the Nodal Ministry for the Scheme.
  • The Scheme will be jointly implemented by the MoMSME, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Features:
  • Recognition and Support: Artisans and craftspeople enrolled in the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card.
    • They will also be eligible for collateral-free credit support of up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
  • Skill Development and Empowerment: The Scheme has been allocated a budget ranging from Rs 13,000 crore for five financial years from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.
    • The scheme offers a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training per day and Rs 15,000 grant for the purchase of modern tools.
  • Scope and Coverage: The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades across both rural and urban areas.
    • These trades encompass carpenters, boat-makers, blacksmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, tailors, and more.
  • Registration and Implementation: Registration for the Vishwakarma Yojana can be completed at common services centers in villages.
    • While the central government will provide funding for the scheme, state governments' support will also be sought.
• Objectives:
  • To ensure that artisans are seamlessly integrated into both domestic and global value chains, thus enhancing their market access and opportunities.
  • Preservation and promotion of India's rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts.
  • Assisting artisans in transitioning to the formal economy and integrating them into global value chains.
• Significance:
  • Vishwakarmas (Traditional Artisans) play a critical role in society regardless of technological advancements.
  • There is a need to recognize and support these artisans and integrate them into the global supply chain.

What are the Government Initiatives for the Upliftment of Artisans?

• Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
• Mega Cluster Scheme
• National Handicraft Development Programme
• Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme
• Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts
• One District One Product
• Atmanirbhar Hastshilpkar Scheme.