Central Idea

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme boasts an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, fully funded by the Central government.
It aims to benefit individuals predominantly from the OBC community engaged in traditional skills and crafts such as carpentry, gold-smithing, masonry, laundry services, and more.
The scheme derives its name from Vishwakarma, a revered figure in Hindu mythology known as the architect of the gods.
Vishwakarma was the divine carpenter and master craftsman responsible for crafting the gods’ weapons, building their cities and chariots.
He is considered the patron deity of workers, artisans, and artists.

Supported Sectors: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme extends assistance to families associated with 18 diverse sectors, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, and more.
Registration: Vishwakarma workers can register for free through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

Recognition: Workers will receive recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
Skill Upgradation: The scheme offers basic and advanced training to enhance skills.
Toolkit Incentive: Artisans receive a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000.
Credit Support: Collateral-free credit support is provided up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
Digital Transactions: Incentives for digital transactions and marketing support are available.
Knowledge Enhancement: A toolkit booklet, available in 12 Indian languages with accompanying videos, helps workers stay updated on new technologies in their field.
Skill Training Stipend: Artisans can benefit from a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training and Rs 1,500 for purchasing modern tools.
Coverage: The scheme aims to cover five lakh families in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.
Global Integration: It also seeks to integrate Vishwakarma into domestic and global value chains.

Traditional craftsmen and skilled artisans, often taught these crafts by family elders, have encountered several hurdles.
These include a lack of professional training, access to modern tools, geographical remoteness from relevant markets, and limited capital for investment.