Aimed at uplifting traditional artisans and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, the Government of India has unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana (PM Vishwakarma Scheme). Launched on 17th August, this Central Sector Scheme is designed to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya Parampara, which represents the family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
Key Benefits of the Vishwakarma Yojana:
Training and Skill Enhancement: Traditional artisans will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through a specialized 6-day training program tailored to their specific needs, whether they are carpenters, tailors, basket weavers, barbers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, potters, confectioners, cobblers, or others. This advanced training equips them with cutting-edge techniques and knowledge.
Beyond training, the scheme offers substantial financial assistance ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh, providing artisans with the means to initiate and expand their businesses, thereby improving their livelihoods.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to create employment for approximately 15,000 individuals annually, thereby fostering economic growth and stability.
Aspiring beneficiaries can access the scheme through a user-friendly online application process, streamlining access to its benefits.
The state government takes on the responsibility of covering the entire cost of various training programs under the Vishwakarma Scheme, ensuring artisans receive high-quality training without financial burden.
Additionally, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is expected to yield several other positive impacts, including boosting the incomes of traditional artisans, creating new job opportunities in the traditional arts and crafts sector, and promoting India’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
With a dedicated allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme aims to empower artisans across the country. It offers subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh, with the initial phase extending loans of up to Rs 1 lakh at a remarkably low interest rate of 5%, significantly lower than prevailing market rates.
The scheme also emphasizes skill enhancement through advanced training programs, ensuring that traditional artistry is preserved and updated to meet contemporary standards. Artisans will receive a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training and Rs 1500 for the purchase of modern tools, enhancing their efficiency and precision.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme envisions a holistic support system, including liberal loan terms, skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, digital transaction incentives, and marketing support. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw estimates that approximately 30 lakh families stand to benefit from the scheme.
To facilitate easy enrolment, the government has established common services centres in villages as registration points for the scheme, ensuring artisans from diverse regions can seamlessly participate in this transformative initiative.
While the scheme is primarily funded by the central government, collaboration with state governments will be crucial for its effective implementation. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a landmark initiative poised to empower traditional artisans and safeguard India’s cultural heritage while promoting economic prosperity.