New Delhi: At least 10 lakh artisans have benefited from PM Vishwakarma Yojana that was started last year in 2023. The artisans include from the field of blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, masonry and sculpting. The scheme is aimed at empowering artisans and craftspeople across India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Vishwakarma Yojana on September 17, 2023 during Vishwakarma Jayanti at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi.
Purpose of scheme
PM Vishwakarma Yojana highlights the government’s resolve to support traditional artisans and craftsmanship. The scheme is aimed to uplift those artisans skilled in various traditional crafts, thereby preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, had approved the scheme on August 16, 2023.
Scheme for artisans in unorganised sector
The vital targets of the scheme are individuals who are serving in the informal or unorganised sector and mostly used hand tools in various occupations such blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry etc.
The scheme also aims to integrate the skilled workers into both domestic and global value chains. It also aims to enhance the quality and market accessibility of artisans’ products.
25.8 millions application since scheme launch
Around 25.8 million applications were submitted by individuals since the launch of the scheme last year. Of these, 2.37 million applicants successfully registered after completing a thorough three-step verification process.
Thanks to the scheme, around 10 lakh registered artisans benefited from toolkit incentives of up to Rs 15,000 that helped the artisans to acquire modern tools enhancing their craftsmanship.
Key highlights of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- The scheme is fully funded by central Government that provided an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore for a period of five years till 2027- 28.
- The individual artisans are registered without any fee through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma Portal.
- The Vishvakarms are provided recognition through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card.
Who can apply for scheme
- Industrial Units that are targeted specifically for the MSME sector can apply for the scheme.
- The training programme is open to individuals from school dropouts to those holding an M.Tech degree.
