Prime Minister Modi Launches Vishwakarma Scheme: A Comprehensive Overview
In a notable tribute to the revered ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme on his 73rd birthday. This initiative, announced earlier during his address on India’s 77th Independence Day, is dedicated to the welfare of traditional artisans and craftsmen. During the launch ceremony held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, Prime Minister Modi also introduced 18 commemorative postal stamps and a Toolkit Booklet, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Key Features of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
1. Full Union Government Funding: The PM Vishwakarma scheme is entirely funded by the Union government, with a substantial allocation of ₹13,000 crore. This robust financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople.
2. Free Registration Through Biometric-Based Portal: Prospective beneficiaries can register for the scheme at no cost through common services centres, utilizing the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. This user-friendly registration process ensures accessibility and inclusivity.
3. Nationwide Coverage: The scheme extends its support to artisans and craftspeople in both rural and urban areas across India, acknowledging the widespread presence and significance of traditional craftsmanship.
4. Coverage of 18 Traditional Trades: Initially, the scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades, including carpenter (Suthar), boat maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter (Kumhaar), sculptor, stone breaker, cobbler, mason, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, doll and toy maker (traditional), barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor, and fishing net maker. This diverse coverage ensures that a wide array of traditional artisans benefit from the program.
5. Phased Implementation: In its first year, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to cover five lakh families, with plans to extend the reach to a total of 30 lakh families over a five-year period from FY24 to FY28.
6. Quality Enhancement and Market Integration: The primary focus of the scheme is to enhance the quality of products and services offered by artisans and craftspeople while facilitating their integration into both domestic and global value chains. This strategic approach aims to improve the economic prospects of traditional craftsmen.
7. Recognition and Skill Upgradation: Beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. Moreover, they will undergo skill upgradation through a comprehensive training program that covers both basic and advanced training.
8. Financial Incentives: The scheme provides significant financial incentives, including a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 to aid artisans in procuring essential tools and equipment. Additionally, beneficiaries are eligible for collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh in the first tranche and ₹2 lakh in the second tranche, with a concessional interest rate of 5%. Incentives for digital transactions and marketing support are also offered to further bolster their economic prospects.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, with its holistic approach encompassing financial support, skill development, and market integration, is poised to revitalize and empower the traditional artisan community in India. It not only preserves the nation’s rich heritage of craftsmanship but also ensures that artisans can thrive in a modern, competitive economy.
