Introducing PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023, also known as PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana or PM Vikas Yojana, is a ground-breaking government initiative aimed at providing crucial financial support to India's artisans and craftsmen engaged in traditional arts and crafts. Launched as a centrally sponsored scheme, it boasts a substantial budget allocation of Rs.13,000 crores and is set to operate over a five-year period spanning from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. Under the umbrella of this scheme, artisans and craftspeople stand to receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. Moreover, they gain access to credit support, with the first tranche offering up to Rs. 1 lakh and the second tranche extending up to Rs. 2 lakhs, both featuring a concessional interest rate of 5%.
Objectives of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023
The core objective of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 is to revitalize the revered "Guru-Shishya parampara", a lineage-based tradition where artisans and craftsmen skillfully employ their time-honored techniques and tools. The scheme seeks to elevate the quality and availability of goods and services produced by these talented artisans, fostering their seamless integration into both local and international value chains.
Eligibility Criteria of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023
To be eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Residential Criteria: Applicants must be Indian citizens residing in India.
Age Requirement: The minimum age for application is 18 years, with no upper age limit.
Occupational Eligibility: Eligible applicants should be engaged in traditional artisanal or craftsmanship activities, including trades like carpentry, blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, sculpture, and more.
Income Criteria: The annual income of the applicant's family should not exceed a specific limit, as defined by the government, which may vary based on the applicant's category (general, SC/ST, or OBC).
The following trades are eligible to apply for the scheme:
- Carpenter
- Blacksmith
- Boatmaker
- Traditional Artists
- Hammer & Tool-kit Maker
- Locksmith
- Goldsmith
- Potter
- Sculptor/Stone carver
- Mason
- Fishing Net Maker
- Barber
- Garland Maker
- Toys Maker
- Cobbler/Shoesmith
- Tailor
- Basket Maker/Basket Weavers
Registration Process of Vishwakarma Yojana 2023
To register for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023, follow these steps:
- Visit the official PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 portal.
- Register using your mobile number and Aadhar card.
- Verify your mobile number and Aadhar card through OTP authentication.
- Complete the PM Vishwakarma Yojana registration form by providing your name, address, and trade-related information, and submit it.
- Upon successful registration, you will be able to download the PM Vishwakarma Digital ID and Certificate for future reference.
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a multitude of benefits to traditional artisans and craftsmen across India:
Training and Skill Enhancement: Traditional artisans can enhance their craftsmanship through a specialized 6-day training program tailored to various trades, ensuring their skills remain contemporary and competitive.
Financial Support: The scheme provides significant financial assistance ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh, empowering artisans to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Employment Opportunities: PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to create approximately 15,000 jobs annually, contributing to economic growth and addressing unemployment challenges.
Online Application Process: A user-friendly online application process simplifies access to the scheme's benefits.
Full Cost Coverage: The state government covers the entire cost of various training programs and ensuring they receive high quality training, relieving artisans of financial burdens.
Boosting Artisan Incomes: Through financial support, skill enhancement, and access to credit, the scheme significantly boosts artisans' incomes and financial well-being.
Generating Employment: Emphasis on skill development and entrepreneurship creates numerous job opportunities in the traditional arts and crafts sector.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: The scheme plays a vital role in preserving India's rich cultural heritage by supporting traditional artisans and crafts.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness: Skill development, modern tools, and financial support make Indian arts and crafts more competitive globally, potentially increasing exports.
Financial Assistance: With a dedicated allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme provides subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to craftsmen, easing financial constraints and giving significant boost to their artistic pursuits.
Phased Loan Disbursement: The scheme offers phased loans at a favorable 5% interest rate, supporting artisans in different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Incentives for Skill Training and Tool Procurement: Artisans receive stipends for skill training and funds for modern tools, facilitating skill enhancement and efficiency.
Central Government Funding with State Collaboration: The central government funds the scheme, with state governments collaborating for effective implementation, creating a unified effort.
In essence, PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 serves as an inspiring lifeline for our hardworking artisans and craftsmen, reaffirming their value and securing their future.
