PM Vishwakarma Scheme: In the bustling lanes of every Indian city, the quiet corners of its villages, and the dedicated workshops of its towns, resides the heartbeat of the nation’s cultural and economic heritage – the Vishwakarmas. These are the carpenters, the blacksmiths, the goldsmiths, the potters, the sculptors, and the weavers. For generations, they have built our homes, forged our tools, crafted our jewelry, and created the very artifacts that define Indian civilization. They are the custodians of skills passed down through millennia, the embodiment of the “Make in India” spirit long before it became a slogan.
Yet, in the face of rapid industrialization and mass production, these traditional artisans and craftspeople have often found themselves struggling. Lack of access to formal credit, outdated tools, limited market reach, and insufficient recognition have threatened the very survival of their venerable crafts. It is to honor, preserve, and empower this foundational pillar of our society that the Government of India has launched one of its most ambitious and heartfelt initiatives – the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
This isn’t just a government scheme; it is a national mission to rekindle the soul of India’s economy. It is a tribute to the hands that shape our world and a strategic investment in the nation’s entrepreneurial backbone. This comprehensive guide is your definitive resource on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. We will delve deep into its objectives, unravel the eligibility criteria, provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the registration process, detail the extensive financial and non-financial benefits, and explore the profound impact it is poised to have on India’s socio-economic landscape.
Chapter 1: Who is Vishwakarma? The Divine Legacy
To understand the profound significance of this scheme, one must first understand the name it bears. Vishwakarma is not merely a word; it is a concept, a legacy, and a divine identity.
The Mythological Origin:
In Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishwakarma is revered as the divine architect of the universe. He is the master craftsman, the engineer of the gods, the creator of all the celestial vehicles, weapons, and palaces. It is believed that he designed and built the legendary city of Dwarka for Lord Krishna, the Pushpaka Vimana for Kubera, and the weapons for the gods. He is the patron deity of all artisans, architects, engineers, and craftsmen. The name “Vishwakarma” itself translates to “all-creator” or “the one who has created everything.”
The Modern Vishwakarma: India’s Artisan Community:
Over centuries, this divine identity was adopted by a community of artisans who work with their hands and tools to create, build, and sustain. These are the individuals who transform raw materials into objects of utility, beauty, and spiritual significance. They are the unsung heroes who constitute the backbone of the informal economy, often working in family-based enterprises with minimal resources. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a symbolic and practical acknowledgment of this divine legacy, aiming to elevate the modern Vishwakarma to their rightful place of dignity and prosperity.
Chapter 2: PM Vishwakarma Scheme: An Overview
Launched on September 17, 2023, on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM Vishwakarma scheme is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is fully funded by the Union Government with an outlay of ₹13,000 crore for a period of five years until 2027-28.
What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
It is a holistic, end-to-end support system for traditional artisans and craftspeople. The scheme moves beyond just providing loans; it offers a complete package that includes recognition, skill upgradation, toolkits, credit support, marketing assistance, and incentives for digital transactions.
The Vision and Mission:
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Vision: To strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara (master-apprentice tradition) of family-based practitioners of traditional skills, integrating them into the formal economic framework and enhancing the quality, scale, and reach of their products and services.
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Mission: To provide Vishwakarmas with the necessary support to make them more competitive, self-reliant, and sustainable, thereby improving their quality of life and ensuring the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Key Objectives of the Scheme:
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Formalization & Recognition: To provide formal recognition to artisans through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID.
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Skill Upgradation: To impart modern, relevant skills while preserving traditional techniques.
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Access to Credit: To provide collateral-free, concessional credit to help them modernize and scale their enterprises.
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Market Linkage: To help them access new and more profitable markets, both domestic and international.
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Digital Empowerment: To encourage the adoption of digital technology in their business operations.
Chapter 3: Who Can Benefit? Detailed Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is meticulously designed to target the genuine, grassroots-level artisan. The eligibility criteria are specific to ensure the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
The 18 Traditional Trades Covered:
The scheme specifically identifies and includes the following 18 traditional trades:
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Carpenter (Suthar)
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Boat Maker
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Armourer
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Blacksmith (Lohar)
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Hammer and Tool Kit Maker
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Locksmith
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Goldsmith (Sonar)
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Potter (Kumhaar)
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Sculptor (Moortikar), Stone Breaker
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Cobbler (Charmakar), Shoesmith/Footwear Artisan
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Mason (Rajmistri)
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Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver
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Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional)
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Barber (Nai)
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Garland Maker (Malakar)
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Washerman (Dhobi)
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Tailor (Darzi)
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Fishing Net Maker
Age and Family Criteria:
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The beneficiary must be a worker or artisan in one of the above 18 trades.
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The minimum age of the beneficiary should be 18 years on the date of registration.
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The beneficiary should not have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes like PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, etc., in the past 5 years.
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The assistance is available for one member per family. A ‘family’ is defined as the artisan, their spouse, and unmarried children.
Documentation Required:
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Aadhaar Card
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Bank Account Details (linked with Aadhaar)
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Ration Card (if available)
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A recent passport-sized photograph
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Details of the trade and years of experience.
Who is Not Eligible?
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Individuals already availing benefits under similar central or state government schemes.
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Taxpayers under the Income Tax Act.
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Members of the same family applying separately.
Chapter 4: A Step-by-Step Guide to Registration and Application
The application process for the PM Vishwakarma scheme is designed to be simple and accessible. It is a six-step journey from registration to enterprise development.
Step 1: Registration on the PM Vishwakarma Portal
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The artisan must visit the official PM Vishwakarma Portal (https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/).
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They need to provide basic details like name, trade, location, Aadhaar number, and mobile number for registration.
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Alternatively, they can also register through Common Service Centres (CSCs) with the help of a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE).
Step 2: Verification by the District Implementation Committee
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Once registered, the application is forwarded to the District Implementation Committee (DIC), headed by the District Collector/CEO.
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The DIC, with the help of local authorities, verifies the details provided by the applicant, including the trade and eligibility.
Step 3: Skill Verification and PM Vishwakarma Certificate
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After verification, the artisan undergoes a simple skill verification process.
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Upon successful verification, the artisan is awarded a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and a unique ID card. This formal recognition is a crucial first step.
Step 4: Enrollment for Basic and Advanced Training
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The certified artisan is then enrolled for 5-7 days of basic training, which focuses on entrepreneurial and digital skills.
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This is followed by 15 days of advanced training (or more, as per need) for skill upgradation in their specific trade.
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A stipend of ₹500 per day is provided to the artisan for the duration of the training to compensate for the loss of wages.
Step 5: Toolkit Incentive and Credit Support
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After the training, the artisan receives a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 in the form of a voucher or direct benefit transfer to purchase modern tools and equipment.
Step 6: Application for Enterprise Development Loan
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The artisan can then apply for the first tranche of the loan.
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First Tranche: A collateral-free loan of up to ₹1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5%. The loan is repayable in 18 months, and the government provides a Credit Guarantee support.
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Second Tranche: After successful repayment of the first loan, the artisan becomes eligible for a second tranche loan of up to ₹2 lakhs at the same concessional interest rate.
Chapter 5: Unpacking the Benefits: A Goldmine of Support
The PM Vishwakarma scheme’s strength lies in its composite nature. It’s not a one-off benefit but a continuous cycle of empowerment.
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Recognition and Certification: The certificate and ID card provide a formal identity, boosting the artisan’s credibility and self-esteem.
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Skill Upgradation: The training bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern market demands, teaching quality control, new designs, and digital literacy.
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Stipend Support: The daily stipend ensures that artisans can attend training without financial hardship.
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Toolkit Incentive: The ₹15,000 helps them replace old, inefficient tools, enhancing productivity and product quality.
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Collateral-Free Credit: This is the cornerstone. The concessional loans (totaling up to ₹3 lakhs) provide the crucial capital for raw materials, workshop expansion, and business growth, freeing them from the clutches of informal moneylenders.
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Incentive for Digital Transactions: To promote financial inclusion, the scheme provides an incentive for conducting digital transactions, helping artisans integrate into the formal digital economy.
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Marketing Support: The scheme envisages providing support for market linkage through e-commerce platforms, trade fairs, and exhibitions. According to the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), this is a key focus area to ensure artisans get a fair price for their products. You can learn more about MSME support initiatives on their website: Official MSME Website
Chapter 6: The 18 Trades of PM Vishwakarma: A Closer Look
(Due to the word limit, we will detail a few trades as an example. The full blog would expand on all 18.)
1. The Carpenter (Suthar): From crafting intricate furniture and doors to being essential in the construction industry, carpenters are the backbone of the woodwork sector. The scheme will help them access modern machinery like electric saws, planers, and lathes.
2. The Goldsmith (Sonar): Creating exquisite jewelry is an art. The scheme can help goldsmiths with advanced tools, training on hallmarking, and access to digital platforms to sell their designs directly to customers.
8. The Potter (Kumhaar): The humble potter creates everything from everyday utensils to decorative items. Support can include electric potter’s wheels, modern kilns for better firing, and training in creating new, market-friendly designs.
17. The Tailor (Darzi): From custom stitching to garment repair, tailors are ubiquitous. The scheme can provide modern sewing machines, embroidery machines, and training in fashion trends and online tailoring platforms.
Chapter 7: The Digital Backbone: Navigating the PM Vishwakarma Portal
The official portal is the gateway to the scheme. It is user-friendly and available in multiple Indian languages. Artisans can:
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Register and apply online.
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Track their application status.
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Find information about training centers.
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Access learning resources and contact details for support.
Chapter 8: Impact and Future Outlook
The potential impact of the PM Vishwakarma scheme is monumental.
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Socio-Economic Empowerment: It will directly increase the income of millions of artisans, bringing financial stability to their households and enabling better education and healthcare for their families.
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Preserving Cultural Heritage: By making traditional crafts economically viable, the scheme ensures that these skills are not lost but are passed on to the next generation.
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Boosting the Rural and Informal Economy: It will lead to the creation of localized, sustainable economies, reducing migration to cities. As noted by NITI Aayog in its various reports, strengthening the informal sector is critical for India’s overall economic growth.
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Gender Empowerment: A significant number of artisans in trades like tailoring, doll-making, and basket weaving are women. The scheme has the potential to become a powerful tool for women’s economic independence.
Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the loan under the PM Vishwakarma scheme really collateral-free?
A: Yes, both the first tranche (₹1 Lakh) and the second tranche (₹2 Lakhs) are collateral-free loans. The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) coverage is provided by the government.
Q2: What is the interest rate on the loan?
A: The interest rate for the beneficiary is a concessional 5% per annum. The government will bear the cost of the remaining interest.
Q3: Can an artisan from a rural area apply?
A: Absolutely. The scheme is designed for both rural and urban artisans. The registration can be done online or through Common Service Centres (CSCs) which are prevalent in rural areas.
Q4: Is the training compulsory?
A: Yes, to avail of the full benefits, especially the toolkit incentive and the enterprise development loan, the beneficiary must undergo the prescribed skill training.
Q5: Where can I get help if I face issues during registration?
A: You can contact the helpline number provided on the official PM Vishwakarma portal or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance. For a broader understanding of digital governance, you can refer to the Digital India website.
Conclusion: Building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, One Artisan at a Time
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is more than a policy document; it is a social contract between the nation and its creators. It acknowledges that the path to a truly self-reliant India, an Atmanirbhar Bharat, must be paved by empowering those who have always been self-reliant by the sheer dint of their skill and hard work.
By providing a structured ecosystem of recognition, skill, credit, and market, the scheme unlocks the immense latent potential within India’s artisan community. It is an investment in human capital, in cultural preservation, and in equitable economic growth. For the crores of Vishwakarmas across the country, this scheme is not just a helping hand; it is the key to a future where their craft is not just a means of survival, but a beacon of prosperity and pride. The success of this mission will truly sculpt the soul of New India.
