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.
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.
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.
Source: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Eligibility criteria for the scheme
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
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.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Stay ahead in the dynamic world of trade and commerce with India Business & Trade's weekly newsletter.