The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched on September 17, 2023, on Vishwakarma Jayanti. It is a central scheme run mainly by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). It aims to support artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools in traditional trades.
Trades covered
The scheme covers 18 trades, including:
- Carpenter (Suthar), boat maker, armourer
- Blacksmith (Lohar), hammer and toolkit maker, locksmith
- Goldsmith (Sonar), potter (Kumhar), sculptor and stone breaker
- Cobbler (Charmakar), mason (Rajmistri)
- Basket, mat and broom maker, coir weaver
- Traditional doll and toy maker, barber (Naai)
- Garland maker (Malakaar), washerman (Dhobi), tailor (Darzi), fishing net maker
Benefits
- Recognition: a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
- Skill training: basic training of 5 to 7 days and advanced training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs 500 per day.
- Toolkit incentive: up to Rs 15,000 through e vouchers after basic training.
- Credit support: collateral free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche (repayable in 18 months) and up to Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche (repayable in 30 months), at a concessional interest rate of 5 percent, with the government bearing the interest subvention.
- Digital incentive: Re 1 per digital transaction, for up to 100 transactions a month.
- Marketing support: help with quality certification, branding, e commerce and trade fairs.
Who is eligible
- An artisan or craftsperson working with hands and tools in one of the 18 trades, self employed in the unorganised sector.
- Minimum age of 18 years on the date of registration.
- Only one member per family can benefit.
- People who took loans under similar central or state credit schemes for self employment, such as PMEGP or PM SVANidhi, in the past five years may not be eligible, except those who have repaid in full, as per the guidelines.
- Government employees and their family members are not eligible.
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How to register
- Visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) near you.
- Register on the PM Vishwakarma portal using Aadhaar and mobile number, with biometric authentication.
- Your application is verified at three levels: gram panchayat or urban local body, district committee and screening committee.
- Once approved, you get the certificate and can join training.
Bottom line
PM Vishwakarma offers artisans training, tools and affordable credit. If you work in one of the 18 trades, visit your nearest CSC to register.
Source / स्रोत: PM Vishwakarma portal, Ministry of MSME, Press Information Bureau
