PM Modi launches Vishwakarma scheme to provide support to artisans engaged in traditional crafts

PUNE: The flagship Vishwakarma scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been launched to provide support to individuals engaged in traditional crafts.

As per the information provided, the scheme has been fully funded by the Centre with an outlay of ₹ 13,000 crore. The ‘Vishwakarmas’ or traditional artisans will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

The Vishwakarmas will be provided with recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, a 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 PM Vishwakarma yojana will cover 18 traditional crafts, including carpentry, boat making, armory, blacksmithing, tool kit making, locksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting, stone breaking, shoemaking, masonry, basket weaving, doll and toy making, barbering, garland making, laundry, tailoring, and fishing net making.