PM Vishwakarma Scheme 2024, Objectives, Benefits, Eligibility, Registration Process

Overview

Introduction

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, also known as the PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on September 17, 2023. The scheme aims to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, who play a vital role in the Indian economy and culture.

List of Trades Covered by the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in the following 18 trades, namely:

Objectives

The main objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme are to:

• Recognize and honour traditional artisans and craftspeople.
• Upskill and reskill artisans and craftspeople to meet the demands of the modern market.
• Provide financial assistance to artisans and craftspeople to start and grow their businesses.
• Facilitate market access and linkages for artisans and craftspeople.
• Promote and preserve India’s traditional arts and crafts.

Benefits

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme offers a wide range of benefits to traditional artisans and craftspeople, including:

• Recognition: Artisans and craftspeople will be recognized through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.

• Skill Upgradation: Artisans and craftspeople will be provided basic and advanced training in their respective trades, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.

• Toolkit Incentive: Artisans and craftspeople will be provided with a toolkit incentive of up to Rs. 15,000.

• Credit Support: Artisans and craftspeople will be eligible for collateral-free loans at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum.

• Incentive for Digital Transactions: Artisans and craftspeople will be given an incentive of Rs. 1 per transaction for up to 100 transactions per month.

• Marketing Support: The National Committee for Marketing (NCM) will provide marketing support to artisans and craftspeople, including quality certification, branding and promotion, e-commerce linkage, and trade fair participation.

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Eligibility

To be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, artisans and craftspeople must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of India.
• Be engaged in one of the 18 trades covered by the scheme (see above for list of trades).
• Be above the age of 18 years.
• Only one member per family can register and receive benefits under the Scheme. A ‘family’ is defined as consisting of the husband, wife and unmarried children for the purpose of availing benefits.

Non Eligibility

There are the following non-eligibility criteria for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

• Individuals who have availed loans under credit-based self-employment/business development schemes of the Central or State Government, such as PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, Mudra in the past 5 years, are not eligible.
• Individuals employed in government service and their family members are not eligible for the scheme.

Documents Required

The beneficiaries have to provide the following documents for the registration of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

• Aadhaar Card
• Mobile Number
• Bank Details
• Ration Card

Registration Process

Following are the steps in the registration process for PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

1. Registration will be done through online applications submitted via the Aadhaar-based biometric authenticated PM Vishwakarma portal or through Common Service Centres (CSCs).

2. Beneficiaries can apply directly or with assistance from CSCs via Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) or Enumerators.

3. CSCs will provide handholding support to assess key requirements of beneficiaries and guide them on benefits under the Scheme. Beneficiaries will be informed about the Skill Upgradation component at application.

4. Beneficiaries must provide their Aadhaar-seeded bank account details at application, which will be the preferred account for monetary benefits.

5. Aadhaar authentication through biometrics will be mandatory at all stages, to be done by CSCs.

6. After application submission and approval, a three-step verification process will follow, completion of which will lead to registration under PM Vishwakarma.

Verification and Approval Process

The registration of beneficiaries under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme will involve a three-step verification and approval process:

Stage 1: Verification at Gram Panchayat or ULB level

• First screening of registered artisans/craftspeople will be done by the Head of Gram Panchayat/Chairman of Village Council or Executive Head/Administrator of Urban Local Body.
• Head of Panchayat can use Gram Sevak/Panchayat Secretary for screening and verifying beneficiary details.
• Head of Gram Panchayat will ascertain if beneficiary has traditionally been self-employed in the trade.
• Verification will include screening family details to ensure only one eligible person per family is covered.
• Details collected by VLEs will be certified by Head of Gram Panchayat or Executive Head of ULB.

Stage 2: Vetting and Recommendation by District Implementation Committee

• Registration details verified by Head of Gram Panchayat/Executive Head will be forwarded online to District Implementation Committee.
• District Implementation Committee will vet and recommend beneficiary applications.

Stage 3: Approval by Screening Committee

• Final approval will be given by Screening Committee after considering recommendations of District Implementation Committee.
• Screening Committee chaired by DC-MSME field formation officer will have members including State Lead Bank Manager and MSDE representatives.
• Screening Committee will oversee registration process in each State/UT.

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Implementation

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). The KVIC has set up a dedicated portal for the scheme, where artisans and craftspeople can register and apply for benefits.

The implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is being carried out in a phased manner. In the first phase, the scheme is being implemented in 100 districts across the country. The scheme will be extended to all districts in the second phase.

Budget

The Government of India has allocated a budget of Rs. 13,000 crore for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme for the period of FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. The budget will be used to provide financial assistance, skill training, and marketing support to traditional artisans and craftspeople.

Impact

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of traditional artisans and craftspeople. The scheme is expected to:

• Improve the Skills and Productivity of Artisans and Craftspeople: The skill upgradation training provided under the scheme will help artisans and craftspeople to improve their skills and productivity. This will make them more competitive in the global market.

• Increase the Income of Artisans and Craftspeople: The scheme is expected to increase the income of artisans and craftspeople by providing them with access to credit, market linkages, and other support services.

• Preserve and Promote India’s Traditional Art and Crafts: The scheme will help to preserve and promote India’s traditional art and crafts by providing support to artisans and craftspeople to continue their trades.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is also expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy. The scheme is expected to boost the growth of the handicraft sector and create new jobs.

Here are some specific examples of the impact that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is expected to have:

• A carpenter who completes the skill upgradation training under the scheme may be able to start his own carpentry workshop and earn more income.
• A potter who receives a toolkit incentive under the scheme may be able to purchase new equipment and produce more pottery items.
• A weaver who receives a collateral-free loan under the scheme may be able to expand her weaving business and hire more workers.
• A group of artisans who receive marketing support under the scheme may be able to sell their products to a wider market and earn more profits.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a holistic scheme that is expected to have a positive impact on all aspects of the lives of traditional artisans and craftspeople. The scheme is expected to improve their skills, increase their incomes, and preserve and promote India’s traditional arts and crafts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a landmark initiative by the Government of India that aims to provide comprehensive support and empowerment to traditional artisans and craftspeople. By recognizing their immense contribution to India’s economy and culture, providing financial assistance, facilitating skill upgradation, and enabling market access, the scheme seeks to improve the socio-economic status of artisans and craftspeople. With an allocation of Rs. 13,000 crore, the scheme has the potential to boost the handicraft sector, preserve traditional arts, create jobs, and promote sustainable livelihoods. The integrated delivery of benefits through a streamlined online process makes the scheme truly innovative and impactful. If implemented efficiently across all districts, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme can bring about a substantial positive change in the lives of millions of artisans, support Make in India, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the country. The scheme reflects the government’s commitment to realizing Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.

FAQs for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

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