Important Facts For Prelims
PM Vishwakarma Scheme
- 19 Sep 2023
- 3 min read
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.
- Recognition and Support: Artisans and craftspeople enrolled in the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card.
- 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.
