On the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a new scheme named ‘PM Vishwakarma’ on 17th September 2023 at around 11 AM at India International Convention and Expo Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi.
The primary objective of the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme is to bolster the livelihoods of traditional artisans and craftsmen across India. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi's sustained commitment to supporting individuals engaged in time-honoured crafts. The government's focus extends beyond financial aid, aiming to preserve age-old traditions, cultural heritage, and diverse artistry through the promotion of locally crafted products.
Under this fully-funded scheme with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, artisans known as Vishwakarmas will receive various benefits. These include free registration through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based portal. Vishwakarmas will be granted recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards. They will also receive skill development opportunities, involving both basic and advanced training.
Additionally, artisans will be eligible for a toolkit incentive of Rs15,000, collateral-free credit support, with the first tranche providing up to Rs1 lakh and the second tranche up to Rs2 lakh, all at a concessional interest rate of 5%. The scheme further incentivizes digital transactions and offers marketing support to promote artisans' products.
A central focus of ‘PM Vishwakarma’ is to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a traditional system where skills are passed down from master to apprentice. By doing so, the scheme aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of products and services crafted by artisans, ensuring their integration into both domestic and global value chains.
This comprehensive scheme will extend its support to artisans and craftsmen in rural and urban areas throughout India. Eighteen traditional crafts are set to benefit from "PM Vishwakarma," including carpenters, boat makers, armorers, blacksmiths, hammer and tool kit makers, locksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, masons, basket/mat/broom makers, doll and toy makers, barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors, and fishing net makers.
