PM Vishwakarma Scheme
About
- PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to provide holistic and end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople.
- Launched in 2023, the scheme provides support through access to collateral free credit, skill training, modern tools, incentive for digital transactions and market linkage support.
- The prime focus of PM Vishwakarma is at improving the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that they are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.
- The scheme is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
- The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India.
- Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under PM Vishwakarma.
- These include (i) Carpenter; (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith ; (v) Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; (vi) Locksmith; (vii) Goldsmith; (viii) Potter; (ix) Sculptor, Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan); (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); (xiv) Barber; (xv) Garland maker; (xvi) Washerman; (xvii) Tailor; and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker.
- Eligibility conditions to be a beneficiary under the Scheme:
- The beneficiary should be working with bare hands and tools;
- Involved in the unorganized sector or self-employment basis;
- Minimum age should be 18 years on the date of registration;
- No loans should have been availed under a similar credit-based scheme of the Central/State government for self-employment/business development in the past 5 years;
- The benefit of the scheme shall be restricted to one member of the family only;
- The person/family member should not be employed in government service.