Introduction
Vishwakarma Yojna is a new scheme launched by the Government of India to provide support and recognition to the traditional artisans and craftspeople of India. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 77th Independence Day and launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti on September 17, 20231. The scheme aims to:
- Register the artisans and craftspeople through a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma Portal and provide them with a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card.
- Provide collateral-free credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
- Provide skill training, skill upgradation, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 and incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
- Promote the culture, tradition and craftsmanship of India and integrate the artisans and craftspeople with the domestic and global value chains.
The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for a period of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28) and is expected to benefit 30 lakh families. Eighteen traditional trades are covered initially under the scheme.
Who are the beneficiaries of Vishwakarma Yojna?
The beneficiaries of Vishwakarma Yojna are the artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools and are engaged in one of the 18 family-based traditional trades covered under the scheme, such as carpenter, blacksmith, potter, sculptor, etc. These skills or occupations are passed from generation to generation following a guru-shishya model of traditional training.
18 family-based traditional trades Vishwakarma Yojna
- Carpenter
- Boat maker
- Armourer
- Blacksmith
- Hammer and toolkit maker
- Locksmith
- Goldsmith
- Potter
- Sculptor and stone-breaker
- Cobbler
- Mason
- Basket/mat/broom maker and coir weaver
- Doll and toy maker
- Barber
- Garland maker
- Washerman
- Tailor
- Fishing net maker
These trades are considered as the traditional skills of India that have been passed down from generation to generation. The scheme aims to support and empower these artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
Vishwakarma Yojna Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for Vishwakarma Yojna are as follows:
- An artisan or craftsperson working with hands and tools and engaged in one of the 18 family-based traditional trades mentioned in the scheme, in unorganized sector on self-employment basis, shall be eligible for registration under PM Vishwakarma.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old and a legal permanent citizen of India.
- Only one member of the applicant’s family can apply for the scheme.
- The applicant must have a valid Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Proof of Occupation, Mobile Number, Bank Account Details, Income Certificate and Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- The applicant must not have availed any other government scheme such as PMEGP, PM SVanidhi or PM Mudra loan.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the scheme online through the official website PM Vishwakarma or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). You will need to fill an online application form and upload the required documents. After verification, you will receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card. You can then avail the benefits of the scheme such as credit support, skill training, toolkit incentive, digital transaction incentive and market linkage support.
How can I apply for Vishwakarma Yojna?
If you want to apply for Vishwakarma Yojna, you can follow these steps:
- First, you need to check if you are eligible for the scheme. The eligibility criteria are mentioned in my previous message. You can also visit the official website [PM Vishwakarma] or read some news articles [New PM Vishwakarma Yojana to provide skill training, credit support to artisans] or [PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana – Apply Online, Registration] for more details.
- Second, you need to register yourself as an artisan or craftsperson under the scheme. You can do this online through the official website [PM Vishwakarma] or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). You will need to fill an online application form and upload the required documents such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Proof of Occupation, Mobile Number, Bank Account Details, Income Certificate and Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- Third, you need to verify your identity and occupation. After submitting your application form, you will receive an OTP on your mobile number. You will need to enter the OTP on the website or at the CSC to complete your registration. You will also need to undergo a biometric verification using your Aadhar Card and fingerprints. This will ensure that only genuine artisans and craftspeople are registered under the scheme.
- Fourth, you need to receive your PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card. After verification, you will receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card through email or SMS. You can also download them from the website or collect them from the CSC. These documents will serve as proof of your registration and eligibility for the scheme.
- Fifth, you need to avail the benefits of the scheme such as credit support, skill training, toolkit incentive, digital transaction incentive and market linkage support. You can apply for these benefits online through the website or at the CSC. You will need to provide your PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card along with other relevant documents such as bank account details, project proposal, etc. Depending on the benefit you apply for, you will receive a sanction letter or a confirmation message from the concerned authority.
How much credit support can I get under the scheme?
You can get credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5% under the scheme. You will also get an interest subvention of 3% for timely repayment of the loan. The loans will be collateral-free and guaranteed by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). You can apply for the credit support online through the website or at your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
Conclusion
Vishwakarma Yojna is a new scheme launched by the Government of India to provide end-to-end support and recognition to the traditional artisans and craftspeople of India, who are engaged in 18 family-based trades such as carpenter, blacksmith, potter, sculptor, etc. The scheme aims to improve the quality and reach of their products and services, provide them with credit, skill, toolkit and market support, and integrate them with the domestic and global value chains. The scheme is a step towards preserving and promoting the culture, tradition and craftsmanship of India and making the Vishwakarmas self-reliant and prosperous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Vishwakarma Yojna?
- Vishwakarma Yojna is a government initiative aimed at promoting and supporting traditional craftsmen and artisans in India. It seeks to provide them with the necessary resources, training, and opportunities to enhance their skills and livelihoods.
2. Who is eligible to benefit from Vishwakarma Yojna?
- Vishwakarma Yojna is open to all skilled craftsmen and artisans across India, including blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, potters, and others involved in traditional crafts.
3. What types of support does Vishwakarma Yojna offer to artisans?
- The program provides a range of support, including skill development training, access to financial assistance, marketing and promotional opportunities, and access to modern tools and technology.
4. How can artisans apply for Vishwakarma Yojna benefits?
- Artisans can apply for Vishwakarma Yojna benefits through designated government offices or online portals. Detailed application procedures are usually available on the official website of the program.
5. Are there any fees or charges associated with applying for Vishwakarma Yojna?
- No, there are no application fees or charges associated with applying for Vishwakarma Yojna benefits. It is a government-supported initiative aimed at assisting artisans.
6. What kind of training is provided under Vishwakarma Yojna?
- Vishwakarma Yojna offers skill development training tailored to the specific craft or trade of the artisan. This training helps artisans improve their skills, learn new techniques, and adapt to modern tools and technologies.
7. How does Vishwakarma Yojna contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts?
- By supporting artisans and providing them with opportunities to upgrade their skills and market their products, Vishwakarma Yojna plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional crafts and heritage.
8. Is there financial assistance available through Vishwakarma Yojna?
- Yes, Vishwakarma Yojna often provides financial assistance in the form of grants, subsidies, or loans to help artisans invest in their craft, purchase equipment, or expand their businesses.
9. How can artisans showcase and sell their products under Vishwakarma Yojna?
- Vishwakarma Yojna helps artisans connect with various marketing platforms, both online and offline, to showcase and sell their products. This includes participation in exhibitions, craft fairs, and online marketplaces.
10. What is the long-term goal of Vishwakarma Yojna? –
- The long-term goal of Vishwakarma Yojna is to uplift the socio-economic status of traditional artisans, promote sustainable craftsmanship, and contribute to the cultural and economic development of India by preserving and promoting traditional crafts and skills.
