Ananya Gupta
September 21, 2023 11:00
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PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 17th of September 2023, is a transformative initiative that holds great significance for artisans and craftsmen across India.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana, also known as PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana or PM VIKAS Yojana, was officially launched on September 17, 2023, in celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 73rd Birthday. The launch event took place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, also referred to as the Yashobhoomi Convention Center, located in Dwarka.
This scheme was first announced by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman during her budget speech for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for the nationwide implementation of PM Vishwakarma Yojana on the 16th of August 2023, with the official launch date set for the 17th of September 2023, which is also Vishwakarma Jayanti.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a significant initiative, and it’s important to understand its details and objectives, which you can find in this article.
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The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative with a substantial financial allocation of Rs. 13,000 crore. It is designed to operate over a five-year period, covering FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. Within the framework of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. They will also have access to credit support, with the first tranche offering up to Rs. 1 lakh and the second tranche extending up to Rs. 2 lakh, both featuring a concessional interest rate of 5%.
| Overview of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana Scheme | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana |
| Launch Date | September 17, 2023 |
| Launch Event Venue | India International Convention and Expo Centre ( Yashobhoomi Convention Center), Dwarka |
| Announced By | Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman |
| Approval Date | August 16, 2023 |
| Benefits | PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Credit Support up to Rs. 1 lakh (First Tranche) and Rs. 2 lakh (Second Tranche), and Concessional Interest Rate of 5% |
| Objective | To support and empower artisans and craftspeople |
| Launch Occasion | Vishwakarma Jayanti (September 17, 2023) |
On the 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made a momentous commitment to the citizens of India during his address from the historic Red Fort. He pledged to introduce a transformative initiative known as the ‘Vishwakarma Yojana.’ Keeping true to his promise, on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, and coinciding with his own birthday, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023‘ right in the heart of Delhi. This visionary program has a noble aim – to empower skilled artisans and craftsmen from every nook and corner of our diverse nation.
The launch ceremony of this scheme was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, who participated from Ahmedabad. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the Chief Minister awarded the beneficiaries and inaugurated this scheme, along with the Industries Minister Shri Balvantsinh Rajput and Minister of Cooperation and Rural Industries Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted that the Prime Minister has made a dedicated effort to ensure development, provide opportunities, and a new identity to small artisans and craftsmen through this scheme. He emphasized that the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is a comprehensive initiative designed to uplift both small and large artisans by providing them with training, technology, credit, and market support.
This ambitious scheme is set to benefit nearly 2 lakh small and large artisans in Gujarat alone and is projected to positively impact around 20 lakh people across the entire country.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel further expressed that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always been dedicated to the welfare of the poor, deprived, oppressed, and marginalized people of the country. In the same spirit, on the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine craftsman associated with various trades including sculpture, handicrafts, and architecture, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has gifted the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ to craftspeople and small artisans.
The Chief Minister also emphasized Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to uplifting the poor and the oppressed, mentioning that, over the last nine years, effective implementation of various welfare schemes has uplifted 13.5 crore people from poverty, marking a new era of governance and development.
Discussing the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ in detail, the Chief Minister mentioned that this dedicated scheme, aligned with the fundamental principle of ‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas,’ is set to disburse Rs. 13,000 crore over the next five years. It encompasses 18 different professions, including carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, toy makers, weavers, masons, boat makers, potters, hammer makers, sculptors, tanners, gardeners, armourers, locksmiths, barbers, fishermen, laundrymen, and tailors. These artisans will become self-reliant and contribute to genuine development.
The Chief Minister further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, every scheme of the central and state governments is designed to benefit even the smallest and neediest individuals. No one is left behind, and every citizen reaps the benefits of these schemes.
He acknowledged that today, every citizen of the country feels that the Central Government is a government for the people. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the PM SVANidhi scheme provided a loan assistance of Rs. 300 crores to 3 lakh urban vendors.
As the nation enters the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is poised to boost the holistic development of various small artisans and craftspeople of India.
State Industries Minister Shri Balvantsinh Rajput conveyed his greetings on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti and highlighted the historical significance of this day. It marks the auspicious beginning of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and it’s also the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Minister Shri Balvantsinh Rajput emphasized that the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ will prioritize craftsmen from 18 different professions, providing them with essential support, including financial aid and modern training. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has tirelessly worked to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the grassroots level. He also noted that an MoU was signed between the Gujarat Government and Micron Technology during the Prime Minister’s successful visit to the USA. Today, Gujarat stands as the state providing the highest employment opportunities across the nation.
Cooperation and Rural Industries Minister Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma highlighted the historic nature of celebrating Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday on the same day. He emphasized that Gujarat leads the way in providing employment opportunities to artisans across the country. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, items crafted by Vishwakarma artisans are gaining recognition worldwide. During the G20 Summit, dignitaries were presented with items created by Vishwakarma artisans.
The Minister also noted that items produced by artisans are reaching households through various means such as stalls at railway stations nationwide, Ekta Mall in Kevadiya Colony, handicraft shops, and fairs. He highlighted that, historically, even the British, during the construction of the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, worshipped Lord Vishwakarma through a ceremony. Similarly, during the inauguration of the Statue of Unity, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also performed a ceremony in honor of Lord Vishwakarma. The launch of the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ marks a significant step towards the economic upliftment of Vishwakarma artisans.
Minister Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma urged all citizens, including artisans, to express their gratitude to the Prime Minister by writing postcards and taking a pledge for cleanliness.
It’s worth noting that under the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana,’ craftsmen in various professions aged 18 years and above will be provided loans ranging from Rs. 1 lakh at a subsidized interest rate for a period of 18 months to Rs. 2 lakh at a subsidized interest rate for a period of 30 months. Beneficiaries will also receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an identification card. They will be given basic and advanced level training, a stipend, and financial assistance of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of toolkits. Registration for the scheme will be conducted online based on Aadhaar card authentication through biometric verification at the City Civic Center.
During this occasion, the PM Vishwakarma Information Booklet was also launched.
The event was attended by Ahmedabad Mayor Smt. Pratibha Jain, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Narhari Amin, MP Shri Hasmukh Patel, Dr. Kirit Solanki, Chief Secretary Shri Raj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of Industries and Mines Department Shri S.J. Haider, District Collector Smt. Praveena D. K., Municipal Commissioner Shri M. Thennarasan, District Panchayat President, District Development Officer Shri Mehul Dave, MLAs, officials from the District Panchayat, officers, corporators, and a large number of skilled artisans.
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The central aim of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 is to strengthen and nurture the venerable Guru-Shishya parampara, a lineage-based tradition where artisans and craftsmen adeptly employ their time-honored skills utilizing handcrafted techniques and tools.
The Vishwakarma scheme strives to elevate the quality and availability of goods and services produced by these skilled artisans. It also seeks to facilitate the smooth integration of Vishwakarma practitioners into both local and international value chains.
The Registration for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 commenced on September 17th. Artisans and craftspeople interested in enrolling for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme should thoroughly review all eligibility guidelines and other essential aspects of this Central Sector Scheme.
The following trades are eligible to apply for this scheme:
Before getting into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023:
Residential Criteria: Applicants must be Indian citizens and reside in India to be eligible for this scheme.
Age Requirement: The minimum age for PM Vishwakarma Yojana application is 18 years, with no upper age limit.
Occupational Eligibility: Eligible applicants should be involved in traditional artisanal or craftsmanship activities. This category encompasses various trades like carpentry, blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, sculpture, and other traditional artisan crafts.
Income Criteria: The annual income of the applicant’s family should not exceed a specific limit, as defined by the government. This limit may vary based on the applicant’s category, such as general, SC/ST, or OBC.
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To apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 online, follow these straightforward steps:
Step 1: Registration
Step 2: Fill in the Registration Form
Step 3: Download Your Digital ID and Certificate
Step 4: Login and Apply
Step 5: Verification and Disbursement
NOTE: Artists and craftspeople have the option to register and apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana at their nearest Common Services Centre (CSC). The Government of India is in the process of developing a dedicated PM Vishwakarma Yojana Mobile App for convenient registration and application.
Here are the key features of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023:
Recognition and Support:
Artisans and craftspeople who enroll in the program will receive valuable benefits. They will obtain a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card, offering official recognition of their skills and craft. Additionally, participants will be eligible for collateral-free credit support, comprising a first tranche of up to ₹1 lakh and a second tranche of up to ₹2 lakh, both with a concessional interest rate of just 5%.
Skill Development and Empowerment:
The Vishwakarma Yojana is allocated a substantial budget ranging from ₹13,000 crore to ₹15,000 crore for a five-year period spanning from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028. Under this scheme, artisans are empowered through skill development initiatives. They receive a stipend of ₹500 for skill training, and an additional ₹1,500 is provided for the purchase of modern tools, equipping them for enhanced productivity.
Scope and Coverage:
This initiative casts a wide net, encompassing 18 traditional trades across both rural and urban areas. These trades include a diverse range, from carpenters and boat-makers to blacksmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, tailors, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that a multitude of skilled artisans benefit from the scheme.
Registration and Implementation:
Artisans can readily register for the Vishwakarma Yojana at common services centres located in villages, ensuring accessibility for rural participants. While the central government plays a pivotal role in funding the scheme, it also seeks collaboration and support from state governments to drive effective implementation.
Integration with Value Chains:
A fundamental objective of the program is to seamlessly integrate artisans into both domestic and global value chains. By facilitating such integration, the scheme aims to enhance market access for artisans and open up new avenues for their growth and success.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 is an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering artisans across 18 traditional trades. These trades encompass a wide range of skilled craftsmanship, including carpentry, boat crafting, blacksmithing, armour crafting, hammer and tool kit manufacturing, locksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting, stone carving, cobbling, masonry, and the production of baskets, mats, and brooms. Coir weaving, traditional doll and toy crafting, barbering, garland making, laundry services, tailoring, and fishing net making are also part of this extensive list. By targeting such a diverse array of traditional trades, the scheme seeks to uplift and support artisans from various backgrounds, providing them with recognition, financial assistance, and skill development opportunities to enhance their livelihoods and promote traditional craftsmanship in India.
Here’s a list of documents that may be required for the Vishwakarma Scheme or similar schemes:
Aadhar Card: A valid Aadhar card serving as proof of identity and residence.
Voter ID Card: Voter identification card issued by the Election Commission of India.
PAN Card: Permanent Account Number card for tax-related identification.
Domicile Certificate: A certificate proving your residence in the state where the scheme is applicable.
Contact Information: Your phone number and email address for communication purposes.
Passport-sized Color Photographs: Recent passport-sized color photographs as per the scheme’s specifications.
Work-related Documents: Depending on the scheme, documents demonstrating your skills or work qualifications may be required.
Bank Account Details: Details of your bank account, including the account number and IFSC code, for receiving financial benefits.
Income Certificate: A certificate indicating your income level, which may be necessary to determine eligibility for the scheme.
Caste Certificate: If the scheme targets specific communities, a caste certificate may be required to establish eligibility.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a wide range of benefits to traditional artisans and craftsmen across India. Some of the key benefits include:
Training and Skill Enhancement: Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, traditional artisans are presented with a golden opportunity to enhance their craftsmanship through a comprehensive 6-day training program. This specialized training caters to the specific needs of various trades, including carpenters, tailors, basket weavers, barbers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, potters, confectioners, cobblers, and more. It empowers them with advanced techniques and knowledge, ensuring that their skills remain contemporary and competitive.
Financial Support: The PM Vishwakarma scheme goes beyond training; it offers substantial financial assistance ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh. This financial aid serves as a catalyst for artisans to kickstart their endeavors, expand their businesses, and ultimately improve their livelihoods.
Employment Opportunities: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a potent force for generating employment opportunities. It aims to create jobs for approximately 15,000 individuals annually, fostering economic growth and stability while also addressing unemployment challenges.
Online Application Process: Prospective beneficiaries can easily access the scheme through a user-friendly online application process. This streamlined approach simplifies the application process, ensuring that deserving candidates can readily access the scheme’s benefits.
Full Cost Coverage: One notable aspect of the scheme is that the state government takes on the responsibility of covering the entire cost of various training programs under the Vishwakarma Scheme. This ensures that artisans can receive high-quality training without facing any financial burden.
Boosting Artisan Incomes: By providing financial support, skill enhancement, and access to credit, the scheme aims to significantly boost the incomes of traditional artisans and craftspeople, thereby improving their overall financial well-being.
Generating Employment: The scheme’s emphasis on skill development and entrepreneurship is expected to create a multitude of new job opportunities in the traditional arts and crafts sector. This will not only reduce unemployment but also empower individuals with sustainable livelihoods.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. By supporting traditional artisans and crafts, it ensures that age-old skills and artistic traditions are passed down to future generations.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness: Through skill development, modern tools, and financial support, the scheme aims to make traditional Indian arts and crafts more competitive in the global market. This can lead to increased exports and recognition of India’s traditional craftsmanship worldwide.
Financial Assistance for Artisans: The Vishwakarma Yojana is bolstered by a dedicated allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, earmarked to empower artisans across the nation. This substantial financial commitment aims to provide artisans with the means to pursue their crafts without being hindered by financial constraints. The scheme offers subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to craftsmen, a significant boost to their artistic pursuits.
Phased Loan Disbursement with Favorable Interest Rates: PM Vishwakarma scheme is introduced in phases, offering artisans a phased approach to financial support. In its initial phase, artisans can access loans of up to Rs 1 lakh at an incredibly low interest rate of 5%. This rate is notably lower than prevailing market rates, relieving artisans of the burden of exorbitant interest charges. In subsequent phases, the scheme continues to provide credit support of up to Rs 2 lakh while maintaining the favorable 5% interest rate.
Comprehensive Skill Enhancement: Vishwakarma Yojana places significant emphasis on skill development, recognizing its vital role in a rapidly evolving world. Advanced training programs are integral to the scheme, ensuring that traditional artistry not only endures but also evolves to meet contemporary standards.
Incentives for Skill Training and Tool Procurement: The scheme takes a thoughtful approach by offering incentives for skill training. Artisans receive a stipend of Rs 500, providing them with financial support to pursue skill enhancement without concerns about their livelihood. Additionally, a sum of Rs 1500 is provided to facilitate the purchase of modern tools, empowering artisans to work with greater efficiency and precision.
Central Government Funding with State Collaboration: The entire financial foundation of the Vishwakarma Yojana is provided by the central government. While the scheme is centrally supported, effective implementation hinges on the collaboration of state governments, making it a truly collaborative effort between the center and the states.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme encompasses a multifaceted approach to empower and uplift India’s traditional artisans. Its components include:
Financial Assistance: Providing much-needed financial support to artisans, enabling them to invest in their craft, purchase tools, and expand their businesses.
Enhanced Skill Development: Offering advanced training programs to artisans, elevating their expertise and ensuring their skills remain relevant in modern times.
Modern Technological Knowledge: Equipping artisans with contemporary digital techniques and eco-friendly technologies to enhance the quality and efficiency of their craftsmanship.
Promotion of Artisan Brands: Boosting the visibility and recognition of artisans’ brands, helping them establish a unique identity in the market.
Market Integration: Connecting artisans with both local and global markets, expanding their market reach and opportunities for growth.
Digital Payment Facilitation: Promoting the adoption of digital payment methods, enabling artisans to participate in the digital economy and access financial services conveniently.
Social Security Measures: Ensuring social security for artisans, providing them with a safety net and financial stability.
Vishwakarma Jayanti, observed annually on the 17th of September, holds significant reverence as it marks the auspicious birth of Lord Vishwakarma, the revered son of Lord Brahma. This day carries profound spiritual importance for both artisans and craftsmen, as well as factory and shop owners.
On Vishwakarma Jayanti, these individuals partake in special religious ceremonies and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma. These observances are imbued with deep devotion and seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishwakarma. It is believed that invoking the blessings of the divine craftsman on this day is instrumental in ensuring success, prosperity, and the flawless operation of their respective vocations.
This sacred occasion serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for those engaged in creative and industrious pursuits, reaffirming the timeless bond between craftsmanship, spirituality, and the pursuit of excellence.
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