The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched by the Indian government on September 17, 2023, is a comprehensive scheme aimed at supporting and empowering traditional artisans and craftspeople across the country. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), provides a range of benefits including skill development, financial assistance, and market support to help these skilled workers thrive in the modern economy.
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PM Vishwakarma Yojana
| Scheme Name | PM Vishwakarma Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of India, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) |
| Launch Date | September 17, 2023 |
| Official Website | pmvishwakarma.gov.in |
| Target Beneficiaries | Artisans and craftspeople from 18 traditional trades |
| Financial Outlay | Rs. 13,000 crore |
| Loan Amount | Up to Rs. 3 lakh (in two tranches) |
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana recognizes the importance of traditional crafts and skills in India’s cultural and economic landscape. It covers 18 specific trades, encompassing a wide range of traditional occupations:
- Carpentry
- Boat making
- Armoury
- Blacksmithing
- Tool making
- Locksmithing
- Goldsmithing
- Pottery
- Sculpting
- Stone carving
- Cobbling
- Masonry
- Basket weaving
- Doll and toy making
- Barbering
- Garland making
- Laundry services
- Fishing net making
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Key Objectives
- Recognize and support artisans and craftspeople as ‘Vishwakarmas’
- Provide skill upgradation and training opportunities
- Offer easy access to collateral-free credit at reduced interest rates
- Facilitate brand promotion and market linkages
- Preserve and promote traditional crafts and skills
- Enhance the economic well-being of artisans and their families
Eligibility Criteria For PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- Be an artisan or craftsperson aged 18 years or above
- Engage in family-based traditional trades within the unorganized or informal sector
- Not have availed loans under similar credit schemes from central or state governments for self-employment or business purposes in the last five years (with exceptions for MUDRA and SVANidhi beneficiaries who have fully repaid their loans)
- Only one member per household can benefit from the scheme
- Government employees and their family members are not eligible
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Application Process
1. Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or access the official PM Vishwakarma portal
2. Complete the online registration form
3. Provide necessary documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile number
- Bank account details
- Ration Card (or Aadhaar numbers of all family members if no ration card is available)
4. Submit the application
5. Await verification at various levels (village, district, and state)
Progress and Impact
Since its launch, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has seen significant uptake across India. As of August 3, 2024, the scheme had received over 2.31 crore applications nationwide. Here’s a breakdown of applications received by some of the top participating states:
- Karnataka: 28,38,346
- Madhya Pradesh: 28,98,792
- Uttar Pradesh: 28,67,237
- Andhra Pradesh: 20,35,847
- Bihar: 15,71,358
- Gujarat: 14,22,405
- Maharashtra: 12,60,055
- Rajasthan: 18,91,766
The scheme has seen particularly strong participation from tailors, who account for about 43% of all applications (approximately 9.13 lakh), followed by masons (4.72 lakh) and carpenters (1.86 lakh).
Implementation and Future Targets
The government has taken several steps to ensure effective implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana:
- Training Programs: The Ministry has conducted a five-day training program for 41 master trainers across ten states. These trainers will educate candidates in various trades.
- Focus on Modern Techniques: Master trainers are incorporating modern techniques and tools into their training sessions. For example, in masonry, trainees are being taught to use tools like the ‘cross line laser level’ for more precise levelling and alignment of floors.
- Financial Outlay: The government has allocated Rs 13,000 crore for the scheme for the period from FY 2023-2024 to FY 2027-28.
- Paperless Implementation: The scheme is being implemented through a fully digital platform to ensure transparency and efficiency.
- Collaboration with States: The central government is working closely with state governments to ensure smooth implementation and maximum reach of the scheme.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana represents a significant step towards recognizing and supporting India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople. By providing a comprehensive package of skill development, financial assistance, and market support, the scheme aims to preserve valuable traditional skills while also enhancing the economic prospects of ‘Vishwakarmas’ across the country.
As the scheme progresses, its success will likely be measured not just in terms of the number of beneficiaries, but also in its ability to create sustainable livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and integrate traditional crafts into the modern economy. With continued implementation and refinement, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has the potential to make a substantial impact on the lives of millions of skilled workers and their families, contributing to both economic growth and cultural preservation in India.
