Empowering Traditional Artisans: Union Cabinet Approves 'PM Vishwakarma' Scheme for Craftspeople Across India

The Indian government's commitment to preserving and uplifting traditional craftsmanship received a significant boost on August 16, 2023, as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, gave its nod to the innovative Central Sector Scheme known as "PM Vishwakarma." This visionary scheme, armed with a substantial financial outlay of Rs. 13,000 crore, aims to invigorate and support the time-honored Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills embraced by artisans and craftspeople.

 

Designed to span a period of five years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28, PM Vishwakarma strives to empower artisans and craftspeople who create with their hands and tools. The core objective of the scheme is two-fold: to enhance the quality and reach of products and services offered by these skilled individuals, and to integrate them more effectively into both domestic and global value chains.

 

Under the umbrella of PM Vishwakarma, artisans and craftspeople will enjoy a range of benefits aimed at supporting their livelihoods and facilitating skill enhancement. Notably, beneficiaries will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an ID card, both of which acknowledge their dedication to their respective crafts. Financially, the scheme offers Credit Support in two tranches: up to Rs. 1 lakh as the First Tranche, followed by up to Rs. 2 lakh as the Second Tranche, with the added advantage of a concessional interest rate of 5%.

 

Moreover, the scheme envisions nurturing the growth of artisans by providing Skill Upgradation opportunities, Toolkit Incentives, encouragement for Digital Transactions, and essential Marketing Support. These comprehensive provisions ensure that artisans and craftspeople receive not only financial support but also the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in a modern economy.

 

The ambit of PM Vishwakarma extends its reach across the expanse of rural and urban areas of India, affirming its commitment to uplifting traditional trades across the nation. In its inaugural phase, the scheme will encompass eighteen traditional trades that have been the cornerstone of Indian craftsmanship for generations. These include revered crafts like Carpentry, Boat Making, Blacksmithing, Goldsmithing, Pottery, Sculpting, Cobbler, Basket Weaving, and many more.

 

The launch of the PM Vishwakarma scheme heralds a new dawn for the traditional artisans and craftspeople of India. As the government commits significant resources to empower these skilled individuals, the scheme not only pays homage to India's rich cultural heritage but also ensures its seamless integration into the contemporary economic landscape. By enabling artisans to enhance their skills, access financial support, and expand their market presence, PM Vishwakarma is poised to create a brighter future for the custodians of India's artistic legacy.

 

This ambitious endeavor is set to create a symbiotic relationship between tradition and progress, a testament to the government's unwavering dedication to both the cultural roots and economic prosperity of the nation. As the first eighteen traditional trades find their place under the PM Vishwakarma umbrella, the impact of this initiative is poised to resonate across the intricate tapestry of Indian craftsmanship.