Empowering Workers: PM Vishwakarma Scheme’s Support
PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Under this scheme, artisans and craftsmen will receive recognition and identity cards, boosting digital transactions and providing market support.
New Delhi: The Central Cabinet has approved the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ on Wednesday. This will incur an expenditure of ₹13,000 crore. It aims to enhance the skills of artisans, including blacksmiths, potters, carpenters, and weavers, promoting skill development. The scheme will provide relief to them through loan facilities and facilitate market access.
After the meeting with Prime Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, journalists were informed that Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the proposal was approved in the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given approval to the new central sector scheme named ‘PM Vishwakarma’. This scheme will incur an expenditure of ₹13,000 crore over a period of five years from the financial year 2023-24 to 2027-28 and will benefit 30 lakh traditional artisans.
PM Modi announced the Vishwakarma Yojana from the Red Fort.
On the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced from the Red Fort that this scheme will start on Vishwakarma Jayanti (17th September). Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav mentioned that there are many sections in small towns where skill-related work in artisan traditions has been hindered. This includes blacksmiths, potters, carpenters, weavers, gardeners, fishermen, net-makers, and craftsmen.
Vaishnav mentioned that these sectors hold significant importance in rural economy, and Cabinet has approved the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana‘ by allocating them a new amount. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted about this scheme from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Tuesday, on the occasion of Independence Day.
Those receiving skill training will be honored with a daily allowance of ₹500. Central Minister Vaishnav stated that these sectors will focus on enhancing skills and acquiring information about new tools and designs. He mentioned that the scheme will also assist in purchasing equipment. Under this, there will be two types of skill development programs, ‘Basic’ and ‘Advanced’. Those undertaking these courses will also receive a stipend.
Vaishnav revealed that beneficiaries of the skill training will receive a daily honorarium of ₹500. He explained that under this scheme, in the first phase, a loan of up to ₹1 lakh will be provided. Relief interest (maximum of 5%) will be covered. After business settlement, the second phase will offer a concessional loan of ₹2 lakh to artisans.
According to the provided information, under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans and craftsmen will be provided with PM Vishwakarma certificates and identity cards, endorsing their skills and providing recognition. This scheme will encourage them to adopt digital transactions and offer market support. In addition, a assistance of ₹15,000 will be provided for purchasing modern tools.
In the first phase of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, 18 traditional occupations have been included. It encompasses various skilled workers such as carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, stone workers, leather workers, weavers, tailors, cobblers, and more.
