PM Vishwakarma: Strengthening Traditional Artisans and Craftspeople

Key Highlights:

• PM Vishwakarma scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, has achieved its registration target of 30 lakh beneficiaries.
• The scheme aims to strengthen traditional artisans and craftspeople across 18 notified trades.
• It has an outlay of ₹13,000 crore for FY2023-24 to FY2027-28.
• Provides end-to-end support including skill training, modern toolkits, credit support, digital incentives, and market linkages.
• An evaluation by IIM Mumbai indicated that 93% of beneficiaries reported a moderate to significant increase in income.

Detailed Insights:

• The scheme is built around the principles of Samman, Samarthya, and Samriddhi, reflecting respect, capability, and prosperity.
• It seeks to strengthen the Guru-Shishya parampara and family-based practice of traditional skills.
• Key components include recognition through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card, and skill upgradation with a ₹500 per day stipend.
• Beneficiaries receive modern toolkits worth up to ₹15,000 and collateral-free Enterprise Development Loans up to ₹3 lakh at a concessional 5% interest rate.
• Digital incentives of ₹1 per transaction (up to 100 transactions/month) and marketing support via GeM, e-commerce platforms, and trade fairs are provided.
• Eligibility is for artisans aged 18+ in 18 notified trades, working in the unorganised sector, with restrictions to one family member.
• Registration is facilitated through Common Service Centres (CSCs), followed by a three-tier verification and approval process.
• Beneficiaries are onboarded on the Udyam Assist Platform to integrate them into the formal MSME ecosystem.
• Over 24.37 lakh artisans have received basic skill training, and more than 6.19 lakh loans worth ~₹5,316 crore have been sanctioned.
• Market access is enhanced through initiatives like One Station One Product (OSOP), airport stalls, and collaborations with e-commerce platforms and TRIFED.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM Vishwakarma: A Central Sector Scheme providing holistic support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in India.
• Guru-Shishya parampara: The traditional Indian system of transmitting knowledge and skills from a teacher to a disciple.
• Udyam Assist Platform: An online system for registering informal micro-enterprises to integrate them into the formal MSME ecosystem.
• Common Service Centres (CSCs): Access points for delivery of essential public utility services and social welfare schemes in rural and remote areas.