The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme launched on September 17, 2023, by the Prime Minister under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), is designed to provide complete support to India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople.This initiative offers end-to-end assistance to individuals engaged in 18 distinct trades, Carpenter, Boat Maker, Blacksmith, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Cobbler, Mason, Doll & Toy Maker, Barber, Garland Maker, Washerman, Tailor, and Fishing Net Maker, and others., aiming to enhance their skills and increase market accessibility. Here’s everything you need to know about this scheme and how artisans can access its benefits:

How to Apply and eligibility

The application process for the scheme is quite simple and can be completed online by following the simple steps below:

1. Visit the Official scheme’s portal(https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/)

2. Select “Register” and enter your mobile number, completing the process with an Aadhaar e-KYC.

3. Fill out the Registration Form with proper details.

4. Upload scanned copies of required documents, which include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Proof of Occupation, Mobile Number, Bank Account Details, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate as specified on the official site.

5. After successful submission, the applicant receives an application ID to keep track of your application status.

Please note that after beneficiaries are enrolled, a three-step verification process will take place which includes Verification at Gram Panchayat/ ULB level, Vetting and Recommendation by the District Implementation Committee and Approval by the Screening Committee.

Major Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

• Applicants of this scheme get a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card for recognition of these artisans which provides recognition and credibility for the artisans
• A basic training of 5-7 days to give fundamental skill training specific to each trade is provided along with A 15-day training focused on advanced skills and learning innovative techniques, allowing artisans to produce higher-value products is future given This training session comes with a daily stipend of Rs.500 provided by the government to cover cost incurred during the training period.
• Eligible artisans receive e-vouchers of up to Rs.15,000 to purchase essential tools and equipment relevant to their trade.
• Artisans can obtain up to Rs. 3 lakh in collateral-free loans, which are offered in two installments of Rs. 1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs. 2 lakh in the second at a discounted interest rate of 5%. The government subsidizes 8% interest on these loans, to lower the cost and provide long-term growth for artisans.
• In order to promote cashless transactions and digitization, artisans can receive Re 1 for every digital transaction, up to 100 transactions each month.
• With the assistance of the National Committee for Marketing (NCM), artisans gain support in areas like quality certification, branding, e-commerce, trade fair participation, and advertising, enabling greater reach both domestically and internationally.

Key Achievements and Progress So Far

Soon after the launch this scheme has made huge progress as mentioned on the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma portal. Approximately 2.58 crore applications have been submitted so far, with over 23.97 lacs artisans successfully registered after the three-stage verification process. Nearly 10 lakh artisans have received e-vouchers worth up to Rs.15,000, allowing them to purchase modern tools for their trade. 56,526 applicants have been approved for loans totaling Rs. 551.80 crore, with interest rates subsidized to 5% a significant support for artisans looking to expand their trade.

Story first published: Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 19:19 [IST]