Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a key scheme for the craftsmen and artisans named – PM Vishwakarma Yojana – with total outlay of Rs 13,000 Crores.
The scheme will give a boost to artisans and caftsmen, nurturing their skills and help in improving quality of their work.
With a sustained focus to give support to the people engaged in traditional crafts, the sheme is driven by the desire to not only support the artisans and craftspeople financially but also to keep the age-old tradition, culture and diverse heritage alive and flourishing through local products, art and crafts.
How to register with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
For the eligible entities to register under the scheme, they can register free of charge through Common Services Centres using biometric based PM Vishwakarma portal.
There they will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000.
Any Indian Resident who is an artisan or craftspeople/craftsmen, 18 years or above, are eligible to apply under the scheme.
It is to be noted that those who have availed benefits under PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, or Mudra Loan will not be eligible to register under PM VIshwakarma Yojana.
What is the interest subsidy under the scheme?
Under the scheme, a collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche at a concessional interest rate of 5% will be provided. Also, an incentive for digital transactions and marketing support is also provided under the scheme.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said the government will offer up to 8% subsidy for loans given to artisans under the Vishwakarma Yojana.
Highlighting the scheme, Finance Minister said the scheme covers 18 activities including carpenter, goldsmith, blacksmith, mason, stone sculpture, barber and boatmakers, and the government will provide up to Rs 3 lakh loan.
Sitharaman said Rs 1 lakh loan will be given and the beneficiary would be eligible for an additional Rs 2 lakh after repayment schedule of 18 months.
Who are eligible under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Through this scheme, government aims to strengthen and nurture the family-based practice of traditional skills by Vishwakarmas working with their hands and tools.
The prime focus of the scheme is at improving the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that they are integrated with the domestic and global value chains, the union government said.
The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India.
Total 18 sectors have been identified that will be covered under PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Stone breaker, Cobbler, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker, Barber, Garland maker, Washerman, Tailor, and Fishing Net Maker.
