Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ during the celebration of Vishwakarma Jayanti in New Delhi on September 17, 2023, for traditional artisans and craftspeople across India.
During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the PM Vishwakarma logo, tagline, and an online portal, releasing a customized stamp sheet, a tool kit e-booklet, and a video. The Prime Minister personally distributed Vishwakarma Certificates to 18 beneficiaries, and the event was organized at approximately 70 locations nationwide as part of a comprehensive government strategy to increase awareness among beneficiaries.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the enduring significance of Vishwakarma in Indian society and acknowledged their irreplaceable role, even in the face of technological advancements. He stressed the need to recognize and support Vishwakarmas and expressed his goal of integrating them into the global supply chain by bringing outsourced work to these skilled artisans.
Traditional artisans and craftspeople play a vital role in the Indian economy, engaging in various occupations such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting. These skills are typically passed down through a Guru-Shishya tradition within families and informal groups. The objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme include preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts and assisting artisans in transitioning to the formal economy while integrating them into global value chains.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, who participated in the launch event from Ranchi, highlighted the contribution of artisans and craftspeople to India’s economy and culture. He emphasized the importance of making artisans capable, empowered, and self-reliant to gain international recognition for their products.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is designed to benefit artisans engaged in eighteen identified traditional trades and will be fully funded by the Union Government with an allocation of Rs. 13,000 crores. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries (Vishwakarmas) will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will receive recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards, skill upgradation through basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and up to ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, as well as incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise serves as the nodal ministry for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, with multiple implementation activities planned under the scheme to identify and verify beneficiaries, provide skill upgradation training, facilitate credit support, and offer marketing assistance. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs actively supports the scheme’s implementation for the well-being of Vishwakarmas.
The scheme will support artisans and craftspeople across India’s rural and urban areas. Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under PM Vishwakarma. These include:
- Carpenter
- Boat Maker
- Armourer
- Blacksmith
- Hammer and Tool Kit Maker
- Locksmith
- Goldsmith
- Potter
- Sculptor, Stone breaker
- Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan)
- Mason (Rajmistri)
- Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver
- Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional)
- Barber
- Garland maker
- Washerman
- Tailor
- Fishing Net Maker
Prime Minister Modi’s sustained focus on supporting traditional crafts is driven by his desire to provide financial assistance to artisans and craftspeople and preserve India’s age-old traditions, culture, and diverse heritage through locally crafted products and art. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara of traditional skills and integrate artisans and craftspeople into domestic and global value chains.
