Objectives of PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The primary goal of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is to honor and support artisans by recognizing their contributions, offering them financial assistance, and helping them enhance their skills. The key objectives include:

1. Recognition & Certification: Providing artisans with a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID to formalize their work.

2. Skill Development: Offering basic and advanced training to enhance productivity and efficiency.

3. Financial Support: Providing collateral-free loans at a subsidized interest rate to promote business growth.

4. Toolkit Assistance: Helping artisans procure modern tools and equipment to improve output quality.

5. Digital Empowerment: Encouraging digital transactions by offering incentives and training on online payment systems.

6. Market Access & Branding: Facilitating artisans in branding, marketing, and selling their products on e-commerce platforms.

7. Economic Inclusion: Integrating artisans into the formal economy, ensuring access to government schemes and benefits.

Key Features of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Financial Assistance & Credit Support

One of the most attractive benefits of the scheme is the provision of collateral-free loans. The financial support is structured as follows:

• Loan Amount: Up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches.

  • First tranche: ₹1 lakh (18-month tenure)

  • Second tranche: ₹2 lakh (30-month tenure, subject to eligibility)

• Interest Rate: 5% per annum with 8% government subvention.

• Eligibility for the Second Loan: Completion of basic skill training, maintaining a good repayment record, and adopting digital transactions.

Skill Development & Training Programs

The scheme emphasizes upskilling through structured training programs:

• Basic Training: 5-7 days with a stipend of ₹500 per day.

• Advanced Training: 15+ days for artisans who complete basic training.

• Training Modules: Cover modern techniques, financial literacy, digital marketing, and e-commerce onboarding.

Toolkit Incentives

• Up to ₹15,000 provided in e-vouchers for artisans to purchase new tools and equipment.

• Ensures artisans have access to modern, high-quality equipment to improve their craft.

Digital Transaction Incentives

• Re. 1 per transaction, up to a maximum of 100 transactions per month.

• Encourages artisans to adopt digital payments and reduce dependency on cash transactions.

Marketing & Branding Support

The scheme facilitates marketing support through:

• Quality certification for artisan products.

• Branding assistance to improve product value.

• Onboarding artisans on e-commerce platforms such as GeM (Government e-Marketplace).

• Advertising & publicity to promote artisans’ work globally.

Trades Covered Under PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The scheme is designed for artisans practicing 18 traditional trades, which include:

1. Carpenter

2. Boat Maker

3. Armourer

4. Blacksmith

5. Hammer and Tool Kit Maker

6. Locksmith

7. Goldsmith

8. Potter

9. Sculptor

10. Stone Breaker

11. Cobbler (Shoemaker)

12. Mason

13. Basket/Mat/Broom Maker

14. Doll & Toy Maker

15. Barber

16. Garland Maker

17. Washerman

18. Tailor

These professions are deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage and play a significant role in sustaining traditional livelihoods.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• Minimum age: 18 years.

• Engagement in at least one of the 18 specified trades.

• Active involvement in the unorganized sector, using hand tools and manual skills.

• No prior loans under similar government schemes (e.g., PM-SVANidhi) in the last five years.

• One application per family: Only one member from a family is eligible.

• Government employees and their families are ineligible.

Enrolment Process

Registration for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is conducted through Common Service Centres (CSCs), using an Aadhaar-based biometric authentication system on the official PM Vishwakarma portal (pmvishwakarma.gov.in).

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the nearest CSC and provide Aadhaar details.

2. Complete biometric authentication for identity verification.

3. Select the relevant trade from the 18 recognized professions.

4. Receive training and toolkit incentives after verification.

5. Access collateral-free loans upon approval.

6. Adopt digital transactions and receive incentives.

Economic & Social Impact

Preservation of Traditional Crafts

By providing financial aid and modern tools, the scheme helps preserve India’s rich tradition of handicrafts and skilled labor.

Economic Empowerment

• Boosts income generation by offering easy access to credit and markets.

• Strengthens small-scale industries and fosters entrepreneurial growth.

Integration into the Formal Economy

• Enables artisans to be recognized as MSMEs under the Udyam Assist Platform.

• Increases their access to formal credit, insurance, and pension benefits.

Digital & Technological Advancement

• Encourages artisans to adopt modern tools and technology.

• Promotes the use of e-commerce, digital payments, and online marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Ans: It is a government initiative to support artisans in the unorganized sector through financial aid, skill training, and market linkages.

Q2. What is the main objective of the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
Ans: The scheme aims to promote self-reliance among artisans by improving their productivity, market access, and income levels.

Q3. What is the interest rate on PM Vishwakarma loans?
Ans: The scheme offers loans at a subsidized interest rate of 5%.

Q4. How can artisans benefit from the scheme?
Ans: They can receive certification, skill training, toolkits, collateral-free loans, digital incentives, and marketing support.

Q5. What are the 18 trades covered under the scheme?
Ans: The scheme includes traditional trades such as carpentry, pottery, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, tailoring, and cobbling, among others.

Conclusion

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a transformative initiative that empowers artisans, preserves traditional skills, and integrates them into the formal economy. By offering financial aid, modern tools, skill training, and marketing support, the scheme not only enhances the livelihoods of craftsmen but also contributes to India’s economic growth and cultural preservation. This initiative is a milestone in reviving India’s rich artisanal heritage, ensuring that traditional trades continue to thrive in the modern era.