Nilanjan
Are you an artisan or a craftsman who is looking for a loan to start or expand your business? Do you belong to the traditional trades that have been neglected by the mainstream financial institutions? If yes, then you are in luck. The central government has recently launched a new scheme called “PM Vishwakarma” that aims to provide recognition, credit, skill, and marketing support to the artisans and craftsmen of India.
What is PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
PM Vishwakarma scheme is a scheme for artisans and craftsmen that was approved by the government on August 16, 2023, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it in his Independence Day speech. The scheme will receive ₹ 13,000 crore for five years and cover 18 traditional trades to start with, said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Some 30 lakh people and their families, mainly from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), are likely to benefit from the scheme, said the government.
The scheme is named after Vishwakarma, the divine architect and engineer of Hindu mythology, who is revered as the patron deity of all craftsmen and architects. The scheme is launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, which falls on September 17 this year.
What are the benefits of PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
The scheme has four main components:
- Recognition: The artisans and craftsmen will be given recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. This will help them to access various government schemes and benefits, as well as to showcase their identity and skills.
- Credit: The artisans and craftsmen will be provided credit support of up to ₹ 1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹ 2 lakh (second tranche), with a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent. This will help them to start or expand their business, buy raw materials, tools, and equipment, and meet their working capital needs.
- Skill: The artisans and craftsmen will be provided skill upgradation through training programs, workshops, exposure visits, and online courses. This will help them to improve their quality, productivity, and innovation, as well as to adopt new technologies and practices.
- Marketing: The artisans and craftsmen will be provided marketing support through online platforms, exhibitions, fairs, clusters, and cooperatives. This will help them to reach out to new customers, markets, and opportunities, as well as to increase their income and profitability.
Who are eligible for PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
The scheme is open to all artisans and craftsmen who belong to any of the 18 traditional trades that are covered under the scheme. These trades are:
- Carpenters
- Boat makers
- Blacksmiths
- Locksmiths
- Goldsmiths
- Potters
- Sculptors
- Cobblers
- Masons
- Basket weavers
- Bamboo workers
- Leather workers
- Brass workers
- Glass workers
- Stone workers
- Clay workers
- Wood workers
- Metal workers
The scheme is also open to those who have inherited or learned these trades from their family or community members, or who have acquired these skills through formal or informal training.
How to apply for PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
The application process for PM Vishwakarma scheme is simple and hassle-free. The applicants can apply online through the official website of the scheme, or offline through the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). The applicants need to fill up a basic form with their personal details, trade details, bank account details, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email id. They also need to upload or submit a self-declaration form stating that they belong to one of the eligible trades and that they have not availed any other similar scheme from the government.
The applications will be verified by the concerned authorities and approved within 15 days. The applicants will receive an SMS or email confirmation along with their PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. They can then avail the credit facility from any of the empanelled banks or financial institutions under the scheme.
Conclusion
PM Vishwakarma scheme is a great opportunity for the artisans and craftsmen of India to get recognition, credit, skill, and marketing support from the government. The scheme will help them to preserve and promote their traditional trades, as well as to enhance their livelihoods and dignity. If you are an artisan or a craftsman who is interested in availing this scheme, do not wait any longer. Apply today and get ready to transform your dreams into reality.
I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.
