The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched on September 17, 2023, coinciding with Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, is a significant initiative designed to empower traditional artisans and craftsmen. This program aims to provide much-needed financial assistance and skill development to artisans from the Vishwakarma community. By offering opportunities for self-reliance and enhancing employment, this initiative seeks to reduce unemployment and boost economic growth in various sectors that rely on traditional crafts.
Purpose of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The core objective of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is to enhance the skills and provide financial backing to artisans within the Vishwakarma community, helping them to preserve traditional crafts and earn a sustainable livelihood. The scheme covers over 140 castes and seeks to promote skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and access to modern technology, ultimately leading to increased self-reliance and job creation.
Key objectives include:
- Providing training programs for skill development in traditional trades.
- Offering financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 to help artisans procure tools and upgrade their skills.
- Offering loans up to ₹300,000 at a 5% interest rate, disbursed in two phases.
- Creating employment opportunities for artisans across various sectors.
- Supporting artisans in becoming self-sufficient and contributing to the nation’s economy.
Financial Aid and Loan Scheme
Under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans receive financial support and soft loans to help them grow their businesses. The scheme’s financial structure includes the following:
- Training Stipend: Artisans participating in skill development programs will receive a stipend of ₹500 per day during their training.
- Financial Assistance: A one-time grant of ₹15,000 is available to help artisans purchase tools and equipment.
- Loan Structure: Artisans can avail loans in two phases:
- Phase 1: ₹100,000 with a 5% interest rate.
- Phase 2: ₹200,000 with a 5% interest rate.
The scheme aims to make financial resources accessible to artisans at affordable interest rates, helping them start or expand their small businesses.
Overview of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Vishwakarma Yojana |
| Launch Date | September 17, 2023 |
| Initiated by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Objective | Empowering artisans and craftsmen from the Vishwakarma community by providing financial support and skill enhancement programs |
| Target Community | Over 140 Vishwakarma castes |
| Financial Assistance | ₹15,000 grant for tools and a daily training stipend of ₹500 |
| Loan Scheme | ₹100,000 (Phase 1) and ₹200,000 (Phase 2) loans at a 5% interest rate |
| Total Scheme Budget | ₹13,000 crore |
| Application Method | Online via the official government portal |
| Official Website | PM Vishwakarma Portal |
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must belong to one of the 140+ castes classified under the Vishwakarma community.
- A valid caste certificate is required as proof of eligibility.
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- The applicant should be a skilled artisan or craftsman.
- The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years.
Castes Eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme benefits a wide range of traditional artisans from over 140 castes within the Vishwakarma community. Some of the prominent castes include:
- Lohar (blacksmiths)
- Sonar (goldsmiths)
- Badhai (carpenters)
- Kumhar (potters)
- Tailors
- Cobbler
The scheme aims to revitalize traditional crafts while offering financial and technological support to artisans who specialize in these trades.
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support traditional artisans and craftsmen. These benefits include:
- Financial Aid: Artisans receive a ₹15,000 grant to acquire necessary tools and improve their craft.
- Training: Participants can access modern training programs to enhance their skills.
- Affordable Loans: Artisans can access loans up to ₹300,000 at a 5% interest rate to help fund their ventures.
- Employment Opportunities: The scheme offers employment in 18 traditional trades, including pottery, tailoring, and blacksmithing.
- Recognition: The government issues artisans certificates and ID cards, certifying their skills and enabling them to access further benefits.
- MSME and Banking Linkages: Artisans will be connected with banks and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) for business development and expansion.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for the scheme, artisans must provide the following documents:
- A valid caste certificate.
- A government-issued ID card (such as Aadhaar or PAN card).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Bank account details for financial transactions.
- Proof of residence.
- An active mobile number and email ID.
- Proof of age (18 years or older).
How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana Online
The application process for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is straightforward and can be completed online:
- Visit the Official Portal: Head to the PM Vishwakarma Portal.
- Complete Registration: Input your mobile number and Aadhaar card details to register.
- Fill in Details: Provide accurate information in the registration form.
- Upload Documents: Submit all necessary documents, including your caste certificate and proof of identification.
- Submit: After reviewing the information, apply.
Tracking the Application Status
To check the status of your application:
- Visit the PM Vishwakarma Yojana website.
- Click on the application status option available on the homepage.
- Enter your application number to view the status.
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Artisans Benefiting from the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is designed to support traditional artisans working in various crafts. Some of the main trades that benefit from this scheme include:
- Blacksmiths
- Goldsmiths
- Tailors
- Cobblers
- Potters
- Weavers
- Carpenters
- Basketmakers
- Garland makers
- Locksmiths
- Doll and toy makers
By providing financial support and skill development opportunities, the government seeks to preserve India’s traditional craftsmanship and equip artisans with the tools and resources they need to thrive in modern industries.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024 is a transformative initiative to revive and preserve traditional craftsmanship across India. The scheme empowers artisans to maintain their cultural heritage while improving their economic prospects by offering financial aid, skill development, and access to affordable loans. To create employment opportunities and promote self-reliance, this program ensures that the rich legacy of India’s artisanal communities thrives in the modern economy. Through the support provided by this scheme, artisans can look forward to a more secure future equipped with the tools and skills they need to succeed.
FAQs
Who can apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Applicants must belong to one of the 140+ castes classified under the Vishwakarma community and be Indian citizens. They should also be skilled artisans or craftsmen at least 18 years old.
How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides a one-time grant of ₹15,000 for artisans to purchase tools. Additionally, artisans are eligible for loans up to ₹300,000, with a 5% interest rate, disbursed in two phases.