On Sunday (September 17), Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma scheme at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in the National Capital with the objective of supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen.
With the vision to keep the age-old traditions and culture alive, the Modi government has introduced the scheme with an outlay of ₹13000 crores. As India enters the Amrit Kaal, the government is focused on preserving the country’s rich heritage and supporting local arts, crafts and products.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Vishakarma scheme, the traditional craftsmen will be registered on the PM Vishwakarma portal through biometric verification. They will be provided with an ID card and a PM Vishwakarma certificate.
सिर्फ 1 दिन शेष!
— BJP MINORITY MORCHA (@BJPMinMorcha) September 16, 2023
आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी 17 सितंबर 2023, विश्वकर्मा जयंती के अवसर पर ‘पीएम विश्वकर्मा योजना’ का करेंगे शुभारम्भ।
इस योजना के माध्यम से कौशल का सम्मान और हुनरमंद कारीगरों व शिल्पकारों के उज्ज्वल भविष्य का निर्माण होगा।#PMVishwakarmaYojana pic.twitter.com/OHGpPkt7FI
The artisans will also receive basic and advanced skill training and a toolkit incentive of ₹15000. They will be provided with free credit support up to ₹1 lakh without any collateral. A second trance of ₹2 lakh credit support will be provided at a concessional 5% interest rate.
The craftsmen will receive incentives for marketing support and digital transactions. Through the PM Vishwakarma scheme, the Modi government wants to strengthen the Guru-shishya parampara of teaching traditional skills.
One of the primary objectives of the fully funded Central scheme is to improve the reach and quality of the products of the Vishwakarmas and integrate them with domestic and global value chains.
"PM Vishwakarma Yojana will help us a lot, we will get the training and low-interest loan under this scheme", says Kanti Prasad, a Potter
— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 16, 2023
From shoemakers to toy makers, pottery, and other people engaged in traditional crafts, PM Vishwakarma Scheme would provide them with free… pic.twitter.com/VGuHilGjC9
It must be mentioned that the Union Cabinet gave a nod to the scheme on August 16 this year. A total of 18 traditional crafts are covered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
These include Basket/ Mat/ Broom Maker/ Coir Weaver, fishing net maker, tailor (Darzi), washerman (Dhobi), garland Maker (Malakaar), Barber (Nai), Doll and Toy Maker (Traditional), Mason (Rajmistri), Cobbler (Charmkar/ Shoesmith/ Footwear Artisan), Sculptor (Moortikar/Stone Carver), Stone Breaker, Potter (Kumhaar), Goldsmith (Sonar), Locksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Blacksmith (Lohar), Armourer, Boat Maker, Carpenter (Suthar).
The scheme falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Modi government has planned multiple activities under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, which includes the identification, and verification of artisans, facilitating credit and marketing support and providing skill degradation training.
#WATCH | Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says "I want to extend my wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his birthday and pray for his long life…In the name of 'Vishwakarma', PM Modi is launching a huge scheme 'Vishwakarma Yojana'…We had informed everyone to attend… pic.twitter.com/IGN49mlHXl
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2023
While speaking about the development, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi says “I want to extend my wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his birthday and pray for his long life…In the name of ‘Vishwakarma’, PM Modi is launching a huge scheme ‘Vishwakarma Yojana’…We had informed everyone to attend the ceremony here.”
It must be mentioned that PM Modi had announced the initiative for craftsmen and artisans from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day. He had said, “The government will launch ‘Vishwakarma scheme’ with an allocation of Rs 13,000 to 15,000 crore in the next month for those with traditional skills.”
The launch of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme coincides with the 73rd birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
