PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024: Empowering Traditional Artisans and Craftsmen

ByYojana.me Team Central Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma yojna

PM Vishwakarma Yojana is an ambitious scheme launched by the Indian government to uplift and empower traditional artisans and craftsmen across the country. Announced on 17th September 2023, this initiative focuses on preserving traditional skills and offering financial support to improve the livelihoods of millions engaged in various trades. Here’s a detailed overview of the scheme, its objectives, benefits, and how eligible individuals can apply.

Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Yojana

  1. Recognition and Certification
    • Beneficiaries under the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID card, providing formal recognition of their skills and work in traditional trades.
  2. Skill Development and Training
    • The scheme offers two types of training programs:
      • Basic Skill Training: 5-7 days of foundational training with a daily stipend of ₹500.
      • Advanced Training: A 15-day program designed for those who have completed the basic training to further enhance their skills.
  3. Financial Support
    • Beneficiaries are eligible for collateral-free loans:
      • First tranche: ₹1 lakh with an 18-month repayment tenure.
      • Second tranche: ₹2 lakh with a 30-month repayment period.
    • The loans come with a concessional interest rate of 5%, supported by government subsidies.
  4. Toolkit Grant
    • Upon completing the training, artisans receive a toolkit worth ₹15,000 to help improve their craftsmanship.
  5. Digital Transaction Incentives
    • To promote digital financial practices, beneficiaries are given a QR code and receive an incentive of ₹1 per digital transaction (up to 100 transactions per month).
  6. Marketing and Business Support
    • The National Committee for Marketing (NCM) offers free support, including quality certification, branding, e-commerce integration, and participation in trade fairs to promote artisans’ products.

Eligible Trades and Occupations

The scheme supports a variety of traditional trades, covering 18 family-based occupations, including:

  • Carpenters
  • Blacksmiths (Lohar)
  • Goldsmiths (Sunar)
  • Potters (Kumhaar)
  • Masons (Rajmistri)
  • Tailors (Darzi)
  • Barbers (Naai)
  • Fishermen Net Makers

These trades have historically been part of India’s cultural fabric, and the scheme aims to preserve and modernize them.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Vishwakarma Yojana

To benefit from the scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Age Requirement: The minimum age for applicants is 18 years.
  2. Occupation: The applicant must be a self-employed artisan working in one of the specified traditional trades.
  3. Family Limitation: Only one member per family is eligible.
  4. Government Service: Beneficiaries or their family members must not be employed in government service.
  5. Loan History: Applicants must not have availed loans under similar government schemes in the past 5 years, such as PMEGP or Mudra Yojana.

How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Eligible individuals can apply through both online and offline channels:

  1. Online Application:
    • Visit the official PM Vishwakarma Yojana website: pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
    • Complete the registration form, upload necessary documents like Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and caste certificate, and submit the application.
  2. Offline Application:
    • Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC), where officials can assist with the application process.

After submission, applications will undergo verification at the local Gram Panchayat or urban body, followed by approval from the central government.

Comparison with Other Schemes

FeaturePM Vishwakarma YojanaPMEGPPM SwanidhiMudra Yojana
Target GroupTraditional ArtisansMicro-entrepreneursStreet VendorsSmall Businesses
Loan Amount₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhUp to ₹25 lakhUp to ₹50,000₹50,000 to ₹10 lakh
Interest Rate5%4%-6%Subsidized8%-12%
Training SupportBasic & Advanced TrainingNo trainingNo trainingNo training
Digital Transaction IncentiveYesNoNoNo
Toolkit GrantYes (₹15,000)NoNoNo

FAQs About PM Vishwakarma Yojana

  1. Who can apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
    • Artisans and craftsmen engaged in traditional trades such as carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors, and barbers can apply.
  2. How much loan is provided under the scheme?
    • Eligible beneficiaries can receive loans up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
  3. What is the eligibility age for the scheme?
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for the scheme.
  4. Is there any incentive for digital transactions?
    • Yes, beneficiaries receive an incentive of ₹1 per digital transaction, up to a maximum of ₹100 per month.
  5. How to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
    • Applications can be submitted online via the official website or through nearby Common Service Centers (CSCs).

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana stands as a transformative initiative that supports the traditional workforce in India. Through financial aid, skill development, and business support, it aims to modernize traditional trades while preserving the cultural heritage associated with them.

For more information and to apply, visit the official PM Vishwakarma Yojana website

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