PM Vishwakarma Yojana: A Boost for Traditional Craftsmanship in India

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a new government initiative aimed at promoting traditional craftsmanship in India. The scheme was launched on September 1, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is expected to benefit over 10 lakh traditional artisans across the country.

Objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The main objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana are to:

• Preserve and promote traditional Indian crafts
• Enhance the skills and knowledge of traditional artisans
• Provide financial assistance to traditional artisans to help them grow their businesses
• Create new jobs and opportunities in the traditional crafts sector

Benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a number of benefits to traditional artisans, including:

• Financial assistance: Traditional artisans will be provided with financial assistance to help them purchase new equipment and machinery, upgrade their skills, and expand their businesses.
• Skill training: Traditional artisans will be provided with skill training to help them improve their skills and knowledge.
• Market access: The government will help traditional artisans to access new markets for their products.
• Branding and marketing support: The government will provide branding and marketing support to help traditional artisans sell their products at a premium.

Eligibility criteria for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, traditional artisans must meet the following criteria:

• They must be Indian citizens.
• They must be engaged in a traditional craft.
• They must have a valid Aadhaar card.
• They must be below the age of 60 years.

How to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Traditional artisans can apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana online or offline.

To apply online:

• Visit the website of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
• Click on the "PM Vishwakarma Yojana" link.
• Fill up the online application form and submit it.

To apply offline:

• Visit the nearest District Industries Centre (DIC).
• Collect the PM Vishwakarma Yojana application form from the DIC.
• Fill up the application form and submit it to the DIC.

Selection process

The selection of traditional artisans for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana will be done on a merit basis. The following factors will be considered during the selection process:

• The type of craft the traditional artisan is engaged in.
• The skill level of the traditional artisan.
• The experience of the traditional artisan.
• The business plan of the traditional artisan.

Implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana will be implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The MSME will work with state governments and other stakeholders to implement the scheme.

Impact of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is expected to have a significant impact on the traditional crafts sector in India. The scheme is expected to help preserve and promote traditional Indian crafts, enhance the skills and knowledge of traditional artisans, create new jobs and opportunities in the traditional crafts sector.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a welcome step by the government to promote traditional craftsmanship in India. The scheme is expected to benefit over 10 lakh traditional artisans across the country. It is hoped that the scheme will help to preserve and promote traditional Indian crafts, enhance the skills and knowledge of traditional artisans, and create new jobs and opportunities in the traditional crafts sector.