Empowering Traditional Artisans: PM Vishwakarma Scheme Unveiled
On the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to launch a groundbreaking scheme known as “PM Vishwakarma” on September 17, 2023, at 11 AM. The launch will take place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi. This Vishwakarma scheme is a testament to the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing traditional artisans and craftspeople, ensuring the preservation of age-old traditions, culture, and diverse heritage through local craftsmanship.
PM Vishwakarma is a fully-funded initiative by the Union Government, with an impressive budget of Rs 13,000 crore. The scheme’s primary objective is to empower artisans, known as Vishwakarmas, by providing them with essential resources and recognition. Here’s what the scheme entails:
Registration and Recognition: Artisans will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will receive official recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an ID card.
Skill Upgradation: The scheme emphasizes skill enhancement through basic and advanced training programs.
Toolkit Incentive: Artisans will receive a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, enabling them to improve the quality of their craftsmanship.
Credit Support: To facilitate their business ventures, Vishwakarmas will be eligible for collateral-free credit support. The first tranche offers up to ₹1 lakh, and the second tranche provides up to ₹2 lakh, both at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
Digital Transactions Incentive: Vishwakarmas will be encouraged to adopt digital transactions, enhancing their financial literacy and modernizing their businesses.
Marketing Support: The scheme will offer marketing support to help artisans reach a broader audience and integrate into domestic and global value chains.
The overarching goal of PM Vishwakarma is to preserve and strengthen the Guru-Shishya parampara, which is the traditional practice of passing down skills from mentor to apprentice within families. This approach ensures the continuity of traditional skills, benefiting not only the artisans but also the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
The Vishwakarma scheme encompasses artisans and craftspeople from both rural and urban areas across India, touching the lives of countless individuals. A total of eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under PM Vishwakarma, showcasing the diverse talent of the nation. These include carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting, and more. By supporting these crafts, the scheme aims to enhance the quality and reach of their products and services, enabling artisans to become integral parts of both local and global value chains.
Through PM Vishwakarma, the government seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for artisans to thrive, revitalize traditional crafts, and contribute to India’s economic growth. It not only recognizes their invaluable contributions to the cultural heritage of the nation but also empowers them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in a modern and competitive world.
In essence, PM Vishwakarma is a powerful initiative that celebrates India’s rich tradition of craftsmanship while propelling it into a brighter and more prosperous future. It is a testament to the government’s dedication to supporting the backbone of India’s artisanal heritage – the Vishwakarmas – as they continue to create and preserve the cultural treasures of the nation for generations to come.