The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, led a significant development as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs accorded approval to a novel Central Sector Scheme named “PM Vishwakarma.” This visionary scheme comes with a substantial financial allocation of Rs. 13,000 crores, designed to span a duration of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28). Aiming to invigorate and nurture the age-old Guru-Shishya parampara, or mentor-disciple tradition, this scheme focuses on empowering artisans and craftspeople who intricately weave their skills into timeless creations with their hands and tools.
One of the primary objectives of the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme is to elevate the quality and accessibility of products and services produced by artisans and craftspeople. This endeavor extends to ensuring the seamless integration of Vishwakarma, the skilled artisans, into both domestic and global value chains.
The multifaceted “PM Vishwakarma” scheme extends a range of comprehensive benefits to artisans and craftspeople, fostering their growth and prosperity. Key highlights of the scheme’s provisions include the issuance of a distinguished “PM Vishwakarma” certificate and ID card to grant formal recognition. Additionally, the scheme grants credit support, with a first tranche of up to Rs. 1 lakh and a second tranche of up to Rs. 2 lacks, accompanied by a concessional interest rate of 5%. Skill upgradation opportunities, toolkit incentives, incentives for digital transactions, and robust marketing support further bolster the framework of the scheme.
Spanning both rural and urban regions of India, the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme encompasses eighteen traditional trades in its inaugural phase. These trades encompass an eclectic range of skills, including carpentry (Suthar), boat-making, armory, blacksmithing (Lohar), crafting of tools and hammers, locksmithing, goldsmithing (Sonar), pottery (Kumhaar), sculpture (Moortikar), stone carving, cobbling, masonry, basketry, mat-making, broom production, coir weaving, doll and toy crafting, traditional hairstyling (Naai), garland creation (Malakaar), laundry services (Dhobi), tailoring (Darzi), and fishing net production.
This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving and elevating traditional craftsmanship while simultaneously facilitating its seamless integration into modern value chains. The “PM Vishwakarma” scheme emerges as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and its harmonious alignment with progressive economic endeavors. As the scheme takes root and unfolds over the coming years, it is poised to usher in a new era of recognition, empowerment, and growth for the skilled artisans and craftspeople who form the bedrock of India’s artistic and cultural legacy.
