PM Vishwakarma Yojana in English

In a bid to uplift and empower India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PM VY) in September 2023. This ambitious scheme aims to provide holistic support, ranging from financial aid and skill enhancement to market access and digital integration, to those engaged in 18 traditional trades.

With a focus on preserving India’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, PM VY seeks to not only improve the livelihoods of artisans but also to promote and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the nation’s cultural fabric. In this article, we delve into the key features, benefits, and potential impact of this transformative scheme.

Key Objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is designed to achieve several interconnected goals aimed at empowering artisans and revitalizing traditional crafts in India:

  1. Preserving and Promoting Heritage Crafts: By providing support to artisans engaged in 18 traditional trades, PM VY aims to safeguard India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and prevent these valuable skills from fading into obscurity.
  2. Enhancing Livelihoods and Income: The scheme seeks to improve the economic well-being of artisans by offering financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and access to wider markets.
  3. Skill Upgradation and Modernization: PM VY focuses on enhancing the capabilities of artisans through training programs that introduce them to modern techniques, tools, and technologies while preserving the essence of their traditional skills.
  4. Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit: The scheme aims to facilitate access to formal financial services, including collateral-free loans, for artisans to invest in their businesses and expand their operations.
  5. Market Linkage and Brand Building: PM VY supports artisans in connecting with broader markets, both domestic and international, through exhibitions, e-commerce platforms, and other initiatives, thereby increasing the visibility and demand for their products.
  6. Digital Empowerment: The scheme encourages the adoption of digital tools and platforms by artisans, enabling them to reach wider audiences, streamline their operations, and access online marketplaces.
  7. Social Security and Welfare: PM VY includes provisions for social security benefits such as accident insurance and health coverage for artisans, contributing to their overall well-being and resilience.

Through these multifaceted objectives, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to create a thriving ecosystem for traditional crafts in India, ensuring that artisans receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve to flourish in the modern age.

Key Benefits for Artisans Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a comprehensive package of benefits designed to empower artisans and enhance their livelihoods:

  1. Financial Assistance:
    • Credit Support: Collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches, with a concessional interest rate of 5% for 4 years.
    • Interest Subvention: Government subsidy on interest, reducing the financial burden on artisans.
    • Toolkit Incentive: Up to ₹15,000 in e-vouchers for purchasing tools and equipment at the beginning of basic skill training.
    • Marketing Support Incentive: Up to ₹5,000 incentive for undertaking marketing and publicity activities.
  2. Skill Enhancement:
    • Basic and Advanced Skill Training: 5-7 days of basic training and 15 days or more of advanced training with a stipend of ₹500 per day.
    • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Certification based on existing skills and experience.
    • Exposure Visits: Opportunities to visit successful craft clusters and learn best practices.
  3. Market Access and Branding:
    • Participation in Exhibitions and Fairs: Government support to showcase products at national and international events.
    • Linkage with e-commerce Platforms: Assistance in selling products online through established platforms.
    • Development of Brand and Logo: Creating a unique identity for artisan products.
  4. Digital Empowerment:
    • Training on Digital Skills: Learning to use digital tools for marketing, online sales, and business management.
    • Access to Online Marketplaces: Connecting with buyers and sellers across the globe.
  5. Social Security:
    • Accidental Insurance Cover: ₹15 lakh coverage for accidental death or permanent disability.
    • Health Insurance: Coverage for health-related expenses up to ₹5 lakh.

By providing this comprehensive support system, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to create a conducive environment for artisans to thrive, ensuring their economic well-being, skill development, and market integration.

Who is Eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?

To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: They must be 18 years old or above.
  2. Occupation: They must be engaged in any of the 18 specified traditional trades on a family-based practice. These trades include:
    • Carpenter
    • Blacksmith
    • Hammer and Tool Kit Maker
    • Locksmith
    • Goldsmith
    • Potter
    • Sculptor (Stone/Wood)
    • Cobbler (Shoes and Leather related items)
    • Mason (Stone/Brick)
    • Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver
    • Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional)
    • Barber
    • Garland Maker
    • Washerman
    • Tailor
    • Fishing Net Maker
    • Boat Maker
    • Armourer
  3. Work Status: They must be working as artisans in the unorganized sector with family-based practice.
  4. Loan History: They must not have availed loans under other government schemes like PMEGP, PM Swanidhi, and MUDRA in the past 5 years. However, beneficiaries of MUDRA and SVANidhi who have repaid their loans in full are eligible.
  5. Family Limitation: Only one person per family can avail of the scheme’s benefits. This includes husband, wife, and unmarried children living together.
  6. Exclusion: Individuals employed in government services (Central/State) and their family members are not eligible.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change, so it is advisable to refer to the official website or relevant government sources for the latest updates.

How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The application process for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is designed to be simple and accessible, primarily through online channels:

  1. Registration: Eligible artisans can register themselves on the official PM Vishwakarma Yojana portal. This involves providing personal details, trade information, and other relevant documents.
  2. Skill Assessment: After registration, artisans undergo a skill assessment process to determine their eligibility for different levels of training and financial assistance.
  3. Training and Certification: Based on the assessment, artisans receive basic and advanced skill training, followed by certification.
  4. Loan Application: Upon completion of training, artisans can apply for collateral-free loans through the designated financial institutions.
  5. Disbursement: After approval, the loan amount is disbursed to the artisan’s bank account in two tranches.

It is important to note that the specific steps and procedures may vary, so it is advisable to refer to the official website or consult with relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Conclusion

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana represents a significant step towards empowering India’s traditional artisans and preserving the nation’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.

By providing comprehensive support in the form of financial assistance, skill enhancement, market access, and digital empowerment, the scheme aims to create a conducive environment for artisans to thrive in the modern age.

While the scheme is still in its early stages, its potential impact on the livelihoods of artisans and the preservation of traditional trades is undeniable.

As the PM Vishwakarma Yojana continues to evolve and expand, it holds the promise of revitalizing India’s artisan sector and ensuring that these skilled craftspeople receive the recognition and support they deserve.