Context: As per the data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), PM Vishwakarma Scheme has received over 21 lakh applications in the two and half months after its launch.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Application Status

• The highest number of applications had come from Karnataka (6.28 lakh), followed by West Bengal (4.04 lakh), Assam (1.83 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (1.53 lakh) and Andhra Pradesh (1.21 lakh). 
• In contrast, 15 States including Haryana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern States, have sent less than 10,000 applications each.

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PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Aim, Coverage, and Implementation

• Aim: PM Vishwakarma scheme aims to improve the quality and reach of the products and services of artisans and craftsmen to ensure that they are integrated into the domestic and global value chains with high-value products. 
• Coverage: 18 types of traditional trades will be covered under the scheme initially for providing benefits to the people engaged in these trades ( such as Carpenter, Cobbler, Boat Maker, Mason, Armourer, Blacksmith, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Hammer & Tool Kit Maker).
• Implementation: The Vishwakarma scheme will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, with an initial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore. 
• Nodal Ministry: MoMSME will be the Nodal Ministry for the Scheme.
  • Cojointly Implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India.
  • The workers will be registered at Common Service Centres, in the biometric-based portal for free.  
• Outcome: The Vishwakarma Scheme will help to enhance the skills of the workers and provide access to formal credit through lead banks of the area. 

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PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Benefits

• Recognition: PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card: A unique digital number shall be created and reflected on the certificate and the ID Card. The certificate shall enable the applicant’s recognition as a Vishwakarma and shall make him/her eligible to avail of all the benefits under the Vishwakarma Scheme. 
• Skill Upgradation: Aimed at enhancing the capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople, who have been working with hands and traditional tools for generations. This intervention consists of three components: Skill Assessment, Basic Training, and Advanced Training
• Toolkit Incentive: An incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 will be provided to the beneficiary after the Skill Assessment at the start of Basic Training. The incentive will be disbursed to the beneficiaries through e-RUPI/ e-vouchers which can be utilized at designated centres to procure improved toolkits. 
• Credit Support: Access to affordable credit under the Vishwakarma Scheme will be facilitated. The beneficiary must have undergone Skill Assessment and completed Basic Training to be eligible to avail first tranche of credit support of up to Rs 1 lakh
• Incentive for Digital Transactions: Incentivize digital transactions undertaken by the artisans and craftspeople through cashback. The online transaction trail created is expected to enhance the credit score of the artisans.
• Marketing Support: Marketing support in the form of quality certification, branding, advertising, publicity, and other marketing activities would be extended to the beneficiaries to improve their linkage to the value chain of MSMEs and established companies.

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PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Implementation Mechanism

• There will be a three–tier verification and approval process for the registration of beneficiaries;
• Stage 1: Verification at Gram Panchayat or ULB Level.
• Stage 2: Vetting and Recommendation by the District Implementation Committee.
• Stage 3: Approval by the Screening Committee (chaired by an officer of the Office of DC-MSME along with the State Lead Bank Manager and representatives of MSDE).

Source: The Hindu

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