PM Vishwakarma Scheme : Prime Minister Modi had hinted at this scheme during his Independence Day address, emphasizing the need to support individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship. Now, this vision has taken shape with the launch of the Vishwakarma Scheme. The scheme aims to uplift traditional artisans and provide them with the necessary resources to thrive.
New Delhi, 17 September (City Times): PM Vishwakarma Scheme : Craftsmen and artisans across India have reason to celebrate as Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme on his 73rd birthday. This scheme, dedicated to traditional artisans and craftsmen, was launched at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi, in commemoration of ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’.
A Vision for Traditional Artisans
Prime Minister Modi had hinted at this scheme during his Independence Day address, emphasizing the need to support individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship. Now, this vision has taken shape with the launch of the Vishwakarma Scheme. The scheme aims to uplift traditional artisans and provide them with the necessary resources to thrive.
Key Features of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
- Full Government Funding: The Vishwakarma scheme is fully funded by the Union government, with an impressive allocation of ₹13,000 crore.
- Biometric Registration: Prospective beneficiaries will be registered at no cost through common service centers using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.
- Support for Rural and Urban Artisans: This initiative extends its support to artisans and craftspeople in both rural and urban areas across India.
- Coverage of 18 Traditional Trades: In its initial phase, the scheme will encompass 18 traditional trades, including carpenters, boat makers, blacksmiths, potters, and more.
- Phased Implementation: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme will roll out in phases. In its first year, it will cover five lakh families, with plans to reach 30 lakh families by FY28.
- Quality Enhancement: The primary focus of the scheme is to enhance the quality and reach of products and services offered by artisans, integrating them into both domestic and global value chains.
- Recognition and Skill Upgradation: Beneficiaries will receive recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, and they will undergo skill upgrades through basic and advanced training.
- Financial Support: The scheme provides financial incentives, including a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support.
Empowering Traditional Artisans
The ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme marks a significant step towards empowering traditional artisans and preserving India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship. By providing financial support, skill development, and access to broader markets, this initiative seeks to create a brighter future for the artisans who have kept our cultural traditions alive for generations. The scheme’s launch on ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’ symbolizes hope and support for these talented craftsmen and craftswomen across the nation.
Supporting Traditional Artisans Across India
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme emerges as a beacon of hope for artisans and craftspeople spread across the length and breadth of India. By allocating ₹13,000 crore, the government underscores its commitment to preserving and nurturing the traditional art forms that have been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries.
Diverse Coverage of Traditional Trades
This scheme encompasses a diverse range of traditional trades, from carpenters and goldsmiths to basket weavers and tailors. These artisans often work in the backdrop of India’s cultural tapestry, and this initiative recognizes their significance in the larger economic context.
Path Towards Self-Sufficiency
One of the core objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is to equip artisans with the skills and resources needed to become self-sufficient. By providing them with toolkits, credit support, and training opportunities, the scheme empowers artisans to not only sustain their craft but also explore avenues for growth.
Connecting Artisans to Global Markets
The integration of artisans into domestic and global value chains signifies a paradigm shift. This initiative seeks to transform traditional art forms into lucrative businesses. By offering marketing support and facilitating digital transactions, the scheme enables artisans to reach wider audiences, both within India and beyond its borders.
A Testament to India’s Cultural Wealth
The launch of the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme on Prime Minister Modi’s 73rd birthday not only reinforces the government’s dedication to preserving traditional crafts but also underscores India’s cultural wealth. These artisans are the custodians of art forms that have survived for generations, and this scheme ensures that their legacy continues to shine brightly in the years to come.
