Finance
On the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch a new scheme named “PM Vishwakarma” on 17th September, 2023 at around 11 AM at India International Convention and Expo Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi.
It has been the sustained focus of the Prime Minister to give support to the people engaged in traditional crafts. This drive stems from the aspiration to not only provide financial support to artisans and craftspeople, but also to preserve and promote age-old traditions, cultures, and diverse heritage. Local products, arts, and crafts are created and promoted to achieve this.
The Union Government will fully fund PM Vishwakarma with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore. The scheme will register Vishwakarmas free of charge through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.
The Scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by Vishwakarmas working with their hands and tools. PM Vishwakarma’s prime focus is to enhance the quality and expand the reach of products and services provided by artisans and craftspeople. It aims to integrate them into both domestic and global value chains.
The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India. Under PM Vishwakarma, eighteen traditional crafts will be encompassed. 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.
Source:PIB
