“PM Vishwakarma” Empowerment Scheme to Be Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Vishwakarma Jayanti
On the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the groundbreaking “PM Vishwakarma” scheme on September 17, 2023, at approximately 11 AM. The inauguration will take place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi.
The “PM Vishwakarma” scheme is a testament to the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to support and empower traditional artisans and craftspeople in India. The initiative not only aims to provide financial assistance but also strives to preserve and promote the rich tradition, culture, and diverse heritage of the nation through locally crafted products and traditional arts.
Funded entirely by the Union Government, “PM Vishwakarma” has been allocated a budget of Rs 13,000 crore. Under this visionary scheme, artisans and craftspeople, known as Vishwakarmas, will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will receive recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards, along with opportunities for skill enhancement through both basic and advanced training programs. Additionally, they will benefit from a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support.
The primary focus of “PM Vishwakarma” is to revitalize the Guru-Shishya parampara, a traditional mentor-apprentice relationship, among Vishwakarmas who work with their hands and tools. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality and reach of products and services offered by artisans and craftspeople, ensuring their integration into domestic and global value chains.
The “PM Vishwakarma” scheme will extend its support to artisans and craftspeople from both rural and urban areas across India. A total of eighteen traditional crafts will fall under its ambit, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpture, cobbling, masonry, and many more.
This visionary scheme reflects the government’s commitment to empower and uplift the skilled artisans and craftspeople who have been the backbone of India’s cultural heritage for centuries. It is expected to not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to the preservation of India’s rich traditions and crafts.
