Introduction: What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme is a central sector scheme launched by the Government of India on September 17, 2023, to provide holistic and end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople. These skilled individuals, often referred to as ‘Vishwakarmas’, play a crucial role in preserving India's rich cultural heritage through their craftsmanship. The scheme aims to empower these artisans by providing them with financial support, skill training, modern tools, and market linkages, thereby integrating them into the formal economy and global value chains. With a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore, the scheme is set to be implemented over a period of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme initially covers 18 traditional trades and aims to uplift the socio-economic condition of artisans and craftspeople by enhancing the quality and reach of their products and services. The scheme is a significant step towards making India's traditional artisans self-reliant and providing them with the recognition and support they deserve.

Key Features and Objectives

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is designed with a multi-faceted approach to address the various challenges faced by traditional artisans. The primary objectives of the scheme are to recognize artisans as ‘Vishwakarmas’, enhance their skills, provide them with modern tools, facilitate access to credit, and connect them with larger markets.

  • Recognition and Certification: A key feature of the scheme is the formal recognition of artisans through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID card. This certification will help in establishing their identity as skilled professionals and make them eligible for various benefits under the scheme.
  • Skill Upgradation: The scheme provides for both basic and advanced skill training to the registered artisans. A stipend of ₹500 per day will be provided to the beneficiaries during the training period.
  • Toolkit Incentive: To encourage the use of modern tools and improve the quality of their products, the scheme offers a toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000 in the form of e-vouchers.
  • Credit Support: One of the most significant components of the scheme is the provision of collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ at a concessional interest rate of 5%. The loan is disbursed in two tranches: up to ₹1 lakh in the first tranche and up to ₹2 lakh in the second tranche.
  • Incentive for Digital Transactions: To promote digital literacy and encourage digital payments, the scheme provides an incentive of Re. 1 per digital transaction, up to a maximum of 100 transactions per month.
  • Marketing Support: The scheme will also provide marketing support to the artisans by helping them with branding, e-commerce onboarding, and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions to improve their market access.

Who is Eligible? (Eligibility Criteria)

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is open to artisans and craftspeople who are engaged in any of the 18 identified traditional trades. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • The applicant must be an artisan or craftsperson working with their hands and tools in one of the 18 specified family-based traditional trades.
  • The minimum age of the beneficiary should be 18 years on the date of registration.
  • The beneficiary should be engaged in the concerned trade at the time of registration and should not have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes of the Central or State Government for self-employment or business development in the last 5 years.
  • The registration and benefits under the scheme are restricted to one member of a family. A ‘family’ is defined as consisting of the husband, wife, and their unmarried children.
  • Individuals in government service and their family members are not eligible to apply for this scheme.

The 18 traditional trades initially covered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme are: Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor/Stone Carver, Cobbler/Shoemaker, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber, Garland Maker, Washerman, Tailor, and Fishing Net Maker.

How to Apply / Avail the Benefits

The application process for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is designed to be simple and accessible for artisans across the country. The registration is done free of charge through Common Service Centres (CSCs).

  1. Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC): Artisans who wish to apply for the scheme need to visit their nearest CSC.
  2. Mobile and Aadhaar Verification: At the CSC, the applicant's mobile number and Aadhaar e-KYC will be completed.
  3. Artisan Registration Form: After the verification, the artisan needs to fill out the registration form with the help of the CSC operator. Required documents include Aadhaar card, mobile number, bank account details, and ration card.
  4. Three-Step Verification: The registration process involves a three-step verification: verification at the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body (ULB) level, vetting and recommendation by the District Implementation Committee, and approval by the Screening Committee.
  5. PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card: Upon successful registration and verification, the artisan will receive a PM Vishwakarma digital ID, a certificate, and an ID card.
  6. Availing Benefits: Once registered, the artisan can start applying for the various benefits under the scheme, such as skill training, toolkit incentive, and credit support, through the official portal.

The scheme aims to create a seamless process for artisans to get registered and avail the benefits, thereby empowering them to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Official Sources