Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme (PM Vishwakarma Yojana): A Comprehensive Guide

PM Vishwakarma Yojana:-The PM Vishwakarma Yojana was officially launched on September 17, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Day. This scheme, aimed at traditional artisans and craftsmen, was first announced by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide support to artisans and craftsmen to enhance their skills, increase productivity, and improve the quality of their products and services.

The Vishwakarma Yojana recognizes these traditional workers as “Vishwakarmas” and offers a range of benefits to help them grow. From skill development and toolkits to loans with reduced interest rates, the scheme is designed to improve the livelihoods of artisans and bring them into the mainstream economy. In addition, the scheme promotes the use of modern technology and tools, provides brand promotion and marketing support, and offers digital empowerment.

Overview of PM Vishwakarma Yojana

• Scheme Name: Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana
• Launch Date: September 17, 2023
• Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Launch Venue: New Delhi
• Beneficiaries: Traditional artisans and craftsmen
• Benefits: Free training, toolkit support, interest-free loans, certificate of recognition, and more
• Official Website: pmvishwakarma.gov.in

Beneficiaries of the Scheme

Initially, the Vishwakarma Yojana targets artisans involved in 18 traditional crafts. The scheme specifically benefits those engaged in family-based, traditional professions, especially those who are self-employed and work in the unorganized sector using their hands and tools.

The following 18 professions are eligible for registration and benefits under the Vishwakarma Yojana:

• Carpenter
• Boat Maker
• Armor Maker
• Blacksmith
• Hammer and Tool Kit Maker
• Lock Maker
• Goldsmith
• Potter
• Sculptor/Stone Worker/Stone Breaker
• Cobbler/Shoemaker/Footwear Artisan
• Mason
• Basket/Mat Weaver, Coir Weaver, and Broom Maker
• Doll and Toy Maker (Traditional)
• Barber
• Garland Maker
• Washerman
• Tailor
• Fishing Net Maker

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the benefits of the Vishwakarma Yojana, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

• Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
• Family Business: The beneficiary should be engaged in one of the eligible trades and should not have taken loans under similar schemes (e.g., PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, MUDRA) in the past five years.
• Government Employment: The scheme excludes individuals and their families who are currently employed in government services.
• One Per Family: Only one member per family (defined as husband, wife, and unmarried children) can register and receive benefits under the Vishwakarma Yojana.

Key Benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The scheme offers a broad range of benefits to the beneficiaries, which are outlined below:

1. Certification and Recognition: Beneficiaries will be provided with a Vishwakarma Certificate and a Vishwakarma ID Card, which will officially recognize their skills and facilitate better job opportunities.

2. Skill Development: Beneficiaries will undergo a 5-7 day (40-hour) basic training program after their skill verification. Those interested can also opt for an advanced training program lasting 15 days (120 hours). Beneficiaries will be paid ₹500 per day during the training period.

3. Toolkit Assistance: After completing the training, beneficiaries will receive a grant of ₹15,000 to purchase essential toolkits to enhance their work efficiency and productivity.

4. Loan Assistance: The Vishwakarma Yojana offers a collateral-free loan of ₹1 lakh to start or scale up their business. This loan has to be repaid within 18 months. If the loan is repaid on time, the beneficiary is eligible for a second loan of ₹2 lakh with a 30-month repayment period. The interest rate for these loans will be a subsidized 5%, with the remaining interest covered by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).

5. Incentives for Digital Transactions: Beneficiaries who adopt digital payment methods will receive ₹1 per transaction (for up to 100 transactions per month) as an incentive to promote digital transactions.

6. Marketing and Brand Promotion: Beneficiaries will receive marketing support through quality certification, branding and promotion, e-commerce linkages, participation in trade fairs, and other promotional activities. The National Marketing Committee (NCM) will assist in these efforts.

Registration Process for PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Beneficiaries who wish to register for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana can do so by visiting their nearest Common Service Center (CSC) and following these steps:

• Mobile and Aadhaar Verification: Complete your mobile and Aadhaar eKYC verification.

• Artisan Registration Form: Fill out the artisan registration form on the official website or at the CSC.

• Vishwakarma Certificate and ID: Download the PM Vishwakarma Digital ID and Certificate after completing the registration process.
• Apply for Benefits: Once registered, beneficiaries can apply for the various benefits provided under the scheme.

Required Documents for Registration

To register for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, the following documents are required:

• Aadhaar Card
• Mobile Number
• Bank Details
• Ration Card

Additional documents may be required depending on the specific requirements of the Ministry of MSME.

Loan Availability under the Scheme

The Vishwakarma Yojana offers loans through various financial institutions, including:

• Scheduled Commercial Banks
• Regional Rural Banks
• Small Finance Banks
• Cooperative Banks
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
• Microfinance Institutions

Loan Details

The first loan under the scheme offers ₹1 lakh with an 18-month repayment period. If the first loan is repaid on time, a second loan of ₹2 lakh is available with a 30-month repayment period. The interest rate is subsidized at 5%, and the credit guarantee fee will be borne by the Indian government.

State Wise Progress of PM Vishwakarma Yojana – As on 03 August 2024

Vishwakarma Yojana: Comprehensive Guide and Helpline

The Government of India has launched the Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at providing economic assistance, training, and skill development to traditional artisans and craftsmen, including blacksmiths, weavers, goldsmiths, potters, laundry workers, and various other skilled laborers across the country. This ambitious scheme is expected to benefit approximately 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftsmen. Below is a detailed breakdown of the scheme, helpline numbers, loan provisions, and application process.

Helpline and Contact Information

For any questions or assistance related to the Vishwakarma Yojana, the government has provided the following helpline numbers and contact details:

• Toll-free helpline numbers: 1800 267 7777, 17923
• Champion Desk at Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME):
  • Email: champions[at]gov[dot]in
  • Phone: 011-23061574
  • State-wise Nodal Officer Contact: Visit Here

Conclusion

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing much-needed financial and developmental support to India’s traditional artisans and craftsmen. With loans at low-interest rates, skill development programs, marketing support, and financial incentives, the scheme seeks to not only improve the livelihoods of millions of workers but also preserve India’s rich tradition of craftsmanship.

By facilitating artisans with modern tools, skills, and access to wider markets, Vishwakarma Yojana has the potential to significantly uplift traditional Indian crafts and empower millions of skilled workers across the country.

FAQs

1. What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a government initiative under the Ministry of MSME to support traditional artisans and craftsmen with loans, skill development, modern tools, digital empowerment, and market access.

2. Who is eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Artisans and craftsmen involved in 18 traditional trades like carpentry, goldsmithing, pottery, etc., are eligible.

3. What benefits does PM Vishwakarma Yojana offer?
Benefits include a certificate and ID card, training, toolkit support, loan assistance, digital transaction incentives, and marketing support.

4. How to register for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Registration can be done through the pmvishwakarma.gov.in portal or by visiting the nearest CSC center.