Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme

PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on 17th September, 2023 by the Prime Minister to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades, viz. Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai), Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhaar), Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker, Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan, Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber (Naai), Garland maker (Malakaar), Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor (Darzi) and Fishing Net Maker.

BENEFITS TO THE ARTISANS AND CRAFTS PERSONS

The Scheme envisages provisioning of the following benefits to the artisans and crafts persons:

• Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
• Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
• Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
• Credit Support: Collateral free 'Enterprise Development Loans' of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh with tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively, at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%, with Government of India subvention to the extent of 8%. Beneficiaries who have completed Basic Training will be eligible to avail the first tranche of credit support of upto Rs. 1 lakh. The second loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed the 1st tranche and maintained a standard loan account and have adopted digital transactions in their business or have undergone Advanced Training.
• Incentive for Digital Transaction: An amount of Re. 1 per digital transaction, upto maximum 100 transactions monthly will be credited to the beneficiary's account for each digital pay-out or receipt.
• Marketing Support: Marketing support will be provided to the artisans and craftspeople in the form of quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities to improve linkage to value chain.

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, the Scheme will onboard the beneficiaries on Udyam Assist Platform as 'entrepreneurs' in the formal MSME ecosystem. Enrolment of beneficiaries shall be done through Common Service Centres with Aadhaar-based biometric authentication on PM Vishwakarma portal. The enrolment of beneficiaries will be followed by a three-step verification which will include Verification at Gram Panchayat/ ULB level, Vetting and Recommendation by the District Implementation Committee and Approval by the Screening Committee.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana Eligibility Criteria

• Community Membership: Primarily targets individuals from the Vishwakarma community.
• Professional Requirement: Applicants should be engaged in traditional craftsmanship or artisanal work.
• Age Limit: There may be a specified age range for applicants.
• Income Criteria: Income limits may apply, ensuring the scheme benefits the economically weaker sections.
• Residency: Applicants should be residents of the area where the scheme is being implemented.

Benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, catering to the needs of artisans and craftsmen, offers a range of benefits designed to uplift their socio-economic status and preserve traditional craftsmanship. The key benefits of the scheme include:

• Financial Assistance:
  • Provides grants or subsidies to artisans, enabling them to purchase essential tools, equipment, and raw materials required for their craft.
  • This may include direct financial support to help sustain their livelihood, especially beneficial during economic downturns or off-season periods.
• Skill Enhancement and Training:
  • Offers training programs to artisans to refine their traditional skills.
  • Introduces them to modern techniques and technologies, helping them to stay competitive and relevant in the evolving market.
  • Enhances product quality and efficiency, leading to better income opportunities.
• Marketing and Promotion Support:
  • Assists artisans in marketing their products through various channels, including government-organized fairs, exhibitions, and online platforms.
  • Helps build brand recognition and reach a broader customer base.
  • Encourages the adoption of e-commerce and digital marketing strategies for broader market access.
• Technology Upgradation:
  • Facilitates access to modern machinery and technology, enabling artisans to produce more with less effort and in less time.
  • Focuses on improving the overall production process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
• Preservation of Traditional Crafts:
  • Aims to preserve and promote traditional crafts and arts, ensuring they are passed down to future generations.
  • Enhances the cultural significance of these crafts, both domestically and internationally.
• Socio-Economic Empowerment:
  • By improving income and business opportunities, the scheme contributes to the overall socio-economic empowerment of artisans.
  • Helps reduce poverty and improve the artisan community’s standard of living.
• Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:
  • Provides a platform for artisans to network with peers, experts, and potential buyers.
  • Encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation within the artisan community.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a comprehensive scheme that aims to provide immediate financial relief and support to artisans and focuses on the long-term sustainable development of their crafts.

Traditional artisans are well-equipped to face modern market challenges while preserving their rich heritage and cultural identity by encompassing financial aid, skill development, marketing assistance, and technological support.

Required Documents for PM Vishwakarma Yojana

• Identity Proof: Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or any government-issued ID.
• Address Proof: Utility bills, rental agreement, or any official document with address.
• Income Certificate: To prove eligibility under the income criteria.
• Professional Proof: Documents supporting the individual’s engagement in artisanal or craft work.
• Bank Account Details: For financial transactions related to the scheme.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana represents a significant step towards supporting traditional craftsmen and artisans, who are integral to India’s rich cultural heritage.

By providing financial aid, skill development, and marketing support, the scheme aims to preserve these traditional arts and ensures that the craftsmen are economically empowered. It is a comprehensive approach to sustaining and promoting indigenous crafts and trades passed down through generations.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana Application Process

Applying for PM Vishwakarma Yojana involves a series of steps that applicants must follow. These steps are designed to make the application process systematic and accessible for eligible artisans and craftsmen. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply:

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

• Find the Official Website: Visit the official government portal for PM Vishwakarma Yojana at pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
• Navigate to the Scheme Section: Look for the section on the website dedicated to this scheme.

Step 2: Registration Process

• Create an Account: If you’re a new user, you may need to create an account. This typically involves providing your email address and phone number and creating a password.
• Log In: For existing users, log in with your credentials.

Step 3: Filling the Application Form

• Access the Application Form: Once logged in, access the application form for PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
• Enter Required Details: Fill in the form with all required details. This may include personal information, contact details, professional information, and details about your craft or trade.
• Be Accurate and Honest: Ensure that all information provided is accurate and true to your knowledge.

Step 4: Uploading Necessary Documents

• Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, income certificate, professional proof, and bank details.
• Scan and Upload Documents: Scan these documents and upload them in the designated section of the application form. Ensure that the scans are clear and legible.

Step 5: Review and Submit

• Review the Application: Before submitting, thoroughly review the application to ensure all details are correct and all necessary documents are uploaded.
• Submit the Application: Once satisfied with the accuracy of the information, apply.

Step 6: Acknowledgment and Follow-up

• Acknowledgement Receipt: You should receive an acknowledgement receipt or reference number upon submission.
• Track Application Status: Use this reference number to track the status of your application.

Step 7: Await Processing and Approval

• Application Processing: The concerned authorities will process your application. This may involve the verification of details and documents.
• Notification of Approval or Further Steps: If your application is approved, you will be notified, and further instructions will be provided. If additional information or steps are required, you will be informed accordingly.