The Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 to empower artisans and traditional craftspeople. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to boost the skills, productivity, and market reach of these skilled artisans. With a budget of 13,000 crore rupees for five years, the scheme plans to support over 30 lakh artisans. It offers various benefits like skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, credit support, and marketing assistance.
Key Takeaways
- The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 is a government-backed initiative to support artisans and traditional craftspeople in India.
- The scheme has a budget allocation of 13,000 crore rupees and aims to benefit over 30 lakh artisans across 18 different fields.
- Key benefits include skill development, financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans, toolkit incentives, and marketing support.
- The scheme is designed to empower marginalized communities like the Vishwakarma community, which comprises over 140 sub-castes.
- The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana is a comprehensive program that addresses the challenges faced by traditional artisans and craftspeople in India.
Understanding PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, a landmark government initiative, was launched on September 17, 2023, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. This comprehensive scheme aims to empower and uplift the traditional artisans and craftspeople of India, recognizing them as the esteemed ‘Vishwakarma’ community. With a focus on artisan empowerment and government initiatives for craftspeople, the Vishwakarma scheme timeline spans a duration of five years, set to run until 2027-28.
Launch and Implementation Timeline
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana was officially introduced on September 17, 2023, and is poised to continue its support for the next five years until 2027-28. This strategic timeline ensures a sustained and long-term commitment to the Vishwakarma community, fostering their growth and development.
Also Read
Indian Navy Vacancy: Latest Defense Job Openings 2024
SSC: Your Gateway to Government Career Opportunities
Key Objectives of the Scheme
At the heart of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana lies a profound mission to recognize and empower the traditional artisans of India. The scheme’s key objectives include providing skill upgradation programs, facilitating access to modern tools and equipment, offering collateral-free credit facilities, incentivizing digital transactions, and promoting the branding and marketing of traditional crafts.
Budget Allocation and Coverage
The government has allocated a substantial budget of ₹13,000 crores for the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This sizable investment underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the artisan community. The scheme aims to reach out to and support over 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople across 18 different trades in the unorganized sector, ensuring a widespread impact.
Eligibility Requirements for Artisans and Craftspeople
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 aims to uplift artisans and craftspeople in the unorganized sector. To qualify, applicants must fulfill certain criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration
- Be actively engaged in one of the 25 traditional trades covered under the scheme, such as carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, or tailoring
- Not have availed of similar government loans in the past 5 years
- Only one member per family can register for the scheme
- Government employees and their family members are ineligible
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 has a budget of ₹13,000 crore. It targets over 140 castes in traditional crafts and family-based industries. Artisans and craftspeople can get up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) in collateral-free credit. This is at a 5% interest rate, with an 8% interest subvention from the government.
To apply, applicants need to provide their Aadhaar card, PAN card, caste certificate, and bank account passbook. The application process includes a detailed three-stage verification. This ensures the authenticity of applicants and their craft-based businesses.
Registration Process and Documentation
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 registration process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Artisans and craftspeople can register for free at Common Services Centres (CSCs) nationwide. The online portal at pmvishwakarma.gov.in employs a biometric system for secure and efficient verification.
PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card
Those who successfully register will receive a personalized Vishwakarma Certificate and a unique Vishwakarma ID Card. The digital ID card is a formal acknowledgment of the artisan’s status. It allows access to the scheme’s benefits and support measures.
Three-Stage Verification System
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana’s registration involves a three-stage digital verification system. This system ensures applicants’ authenticity and eligibility. Verification occurs at the Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body, District, and State levels, adding layers of scrutiny and approval.
Digital Registration Platform
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 boasts a strong digital registration platform. It facilitates efficient processing and transparency in the application system. By November 4, 2024, over 25.8 million applications were submitted. Following verification, 2.37 million artisans were registered successfully.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Platform | Biometric-based online portal accessible through Common Services Centres |
| Verification Process | Three-stage verification at Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Body, District, and State levels |
| Registration Status | 25.8 million applications submitted, 2.37 million artisans successfully registered as of November 4, 2024 |
| Registration Cost | Free of cost for artisans and craftspeople |
Financial Benefits and Credit Support Structure
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana provides extensive financial aid and credit support to artisans and craftspeople nationwide. Eligible individuals can receive collateral-free credit in two phases. The first phase offers up to ₹1 lakh, while the second phase adds an additional ₹2 lakh. These loans come with a 5% annual interest rate, thanks to an 8% interest subvention from the government to banks.
For the first tranche, repayment spans 18 months. The second tranche extends repayment to 30 months. Beneficiaries also receive a ₹15,000 toolkit incentive via e-vouchers. This allows them to acquire modern tools, boosting productivity and competitiveness.
| Loan Details | First Tranche | Second Tranche |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹1,00,000 | Up to ₹2,00,000 |
| Interest Rate | 5% per annum | 5% per annum |
| Interest Subvention | 8% provided upfront by the Government | 8% provided upfront by the Government |
| Repayment Tenure | 18 months | 30 months |
| Toolkit Incentive | ₹15,000 through e-vouchers | ₹15,000 through e-vouchers |
| Digital Transaction Incentive | ₹1 per eligible digital transaction (up to 100 transactions per month) | ₹1 per eligible digital transaction (up to 100 transactions per month) |
The scheme also guarantees credit to banks, encouraging them to lend to artisans and craftspeople. This credit support aims to empower traditional artisans. It also helps them access affordable financing, enabling business growth and preserving India’s cultural heritage.
Skill Development and Training Programs
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 introduces extensive skill development programs for artisans and craftspeople nationwide. It aims to boost traditional skills with contemporary methods and market knowledge. This is achieved through a structured training framework.
Basic Training Module
The basic training module, lasting 5-7 days (40 hours), focuses on foundational skills and knowledge. It prepares artisans for excellence in their traditional trades. During this period, artisans undergo a detailed skill assessment to pinpoint areas for improvement.
Advanced Training Opportunities
Following the basic training, artisans can opt for advanced training lasting 15 days (120 hours). This program deepens traditional techniques, adds modern design elements, and equips participants with market skills.
Daily Stipend and Support
Both basic and advanced training participants receive a daily stipend of ₹500. This is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) upon completing their respective training modules. The stipend aids artisans financially during their skill development journey.
| Training Module | Duration | Daily Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Training | 5-7 days (40 hours) | ₹500 |
| Advanced Training | 15 days (120 hours) | ₹500 |
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024’s artisan skill upgradation initiative offers comprehensive training. It aims to empower traditional craftspeople development programs. The goal is to boost their market competitiveness through Vishwakarma scheme training.
Traditional Trades Covered Under the Scheme
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched by the Government of India, aims to support a broad spectrum of traditional crafts and artisanal occupations. This scheme offers financial assistance, skill development, and marketing support to 18 family-based traditional trades. It’s a comprehensive initiative to preserve and promote India’s rich artisanal heritage.
Some of the key trades covered under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana include:
- Carpenter (Suthar)
- Blacksmith (Lohar)
- Goldsmith (Sunar)
- Potter (Kumhaar)
- Cobbler (Charmakar)
- Mason (Raajmistri)
- Basket/Mat/Broom Maker
- Doll & Toy Maker
- Barber (Naai)
- Garland Maker (Malakaar)
- Washerman (Dhobi)
- Tailor (Darzi)
- Fishing Net Maker
The scheme also includes trades working with iron, metal, stone, and architecture. This reflects India’s diverse artisanal heritage. The goal is to preserve and promote a wide range of traditional skills and crafts under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
The National Steering Committee, with the approval of the Minister for MSME, has the authority to update and modify the list of eligible trades under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This ensures the scheme remains inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of India’s traditional artisan community.
Marketing Support and Digital Transaction Benefits
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers extensive marketing support to artisans and craftspeople. It helps them promote their products and services. The National Committee for Marketing (NCM) provides various services, such as quality certification and branding. It also offers e-commerce linkages, participation in trade fairs, and targeted advertising campaigns.
These efforts aim to increase the visibility and accessibility of artisan products. They target both domestic and global markets.
To encourage digital adoption, the scheme provides a unique incentive for digital transactions. Artisans can earn ₹1 per transaction, up to 100 per month. This initiative empowers traditional craftspeople with digital tools. It helps them reach more customers and integrate into modern markets.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana combines marketing assistance with digital incentives. It aims to elevate India’s rich heritage of artisanal skills and craftsmanship. This approach ensures traditional artisans can enhance their offerings and promote them effectively. It opens new avenues for growth and prosperity.