PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Introduction

India has a long tradition of artisans and craftspeople — blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, potters, cobblers, barbers, weavers, etc. These skilled workers, known as Vishwakarmas, have historically formed the backbone of rural and urban livelihoods. But with modernization, many of them got pushed into the informal sector, facing issues like:

• Lack of recognition
• Limited access to credit
• Outdated tools
• Weak market linkages

To empower these artisans, the Government of India launched the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in 2023 as a Central Sector Scheme.

Quick Facts

• Purpose: Provide holistic support to traditional artisans and craftspeople.
• Coverage: Both rural and urban areas; districts covered in a phased manner.
• Tenure: FY 2023–24 to FY 2027–28.
• Implementing Ministries: Jointly by MSME, Skill Development, and Finance Ministry.

Objectives

1. To give official recognition to artisans as Vishwakarmas and provide them ID cards.
2. To support skill upgradation through training (basic + advanced).
3. To encourage digital transactions through incentives.
4. To create a platform for branding, promotion, and market linkages of their products.

Eligibility

• Who can apply?
  • Artisans working in traditional family trades (25 listed trades such as carpenter, blacksmith, cobbler, basket maker, barber, washerman, etc.).
  • Must be self-employed in the unorganized sector.
  • Age: 18+ years.
• Exclusions:
  • Government employees and their families.
  • Those who availed similar loans in the last 5 years (except fully repaid MUDRA or PM SVANidhi loans).
  • Only one member per family (husband, wife, unmarried children).
• Enrollment: Through Common Service Centres (CSCs) using Aadhaar authentication on the PM Vishwakarma portal.

Salient Features & Benefits

From the infographics:

1. Recognition → Certificate and ID card as Vishwakarma.
2. Skill Training →
   • Basic (5–7 days) & Advanced (15+ days).
   • Daily stipend of ₹500 during training.
3. Toolkit Incentive → ₹15,000 e-voucher for modern tools, provided at the start of training.
4. Loans → Up to ₹3 lakh (₹1 lakh for 18 months, ₹2 lakh for 30 months).
   • Concessional 5% interest rate with up to 8% interest subvention.
   • Covered under CGTMSE credit guarantee.
5. Digital Transaction Incentive → ₹1 per transaction (up to 100 transactions per month).
6. Marketing Support → Branding, packaging, and promotion through the National Committee for Marketing.
7. Social Security Awareness → Linkage with schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY, PM Shram Yogi Maan-dhan.
8. Inclusivity Focus → Women, SCs, STs, OBCs, specially-abled, transgender, and artisans from North-East, island, and hilly areas are given special emphasis.

List of 25 Traditional Trades Covered

• Carpentry, Boat-making, Armoury, Blacksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor
• Stone carving, Masonry, Basket making, Coir weaving, Broom making
• Cobbler, Shoemaker, Footwear artisan, Tailor, Fishing net maker
• Barber, Washerman, Doll/toy maker, Garland maker, Hammer/tool kit maker, Locksmith, Stone breaker, Basket weaver

👉 This wide coverage ensures heritage skills are preserved while providing artisans modern opportunities.

Conclusion

In essence, PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a holistic welfare and empowerment programme. It not only trains and equips artisans with better tools but also provides them loans, market access, and digital incentives. Importantly, it gives them formal recognition as Vishwakarmas, restoring dignity to traditional occupations.

This scheme combines financial inclusion, skill development, digital empowerment, and social security — making it highly relevant for UPSC under themes of Inclusive Development, MSME sector, and Social Justice.