Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM Vishwakarma Yojana on September 17, 2023, on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. The scheme is named after Lord Vishwakarma, the divine craftsman associated with various trades, including sculpture, handicrafts, and architecture.
This is a comprehensive scheme that aims to provide support and empowerment to traditional artisans and craftspeople in India. The scheme covers a wide range of crafts, including pottery, weaving, metalwork, woodwork, and stone carving.
The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 13,000 crore and is expected to benefit over 1 crore artisans and craftspeople across the country. The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The main objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana are to:
- Provide financial assistance to artisans and craftspeople to help them improve their businesses and livelihoods.
- Upgrade the skills of artisans and craftspeople to help them produce high-quality products and services.
- Provide marketing support to artisans and craftspeople to help them reach a wider market.
- Preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts.
Benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a wide range of benefits to artisans and craftspeople, including:
- Financial assistance: Artisans and craftspeople can avail loans up to Rs 2 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
- Skill training: Artisans and craftspeople will be provided with skill training to help them upgrade their skills and produce high-quality products and services.
- Marketing support: Artisans and craftspeople will be provided with marketing support to help them reach a wider market. This includes support for online and offline marketing activities.
- Recognition and appreciation: Artisans and craftspeople will be recognized and appreciated for their contributions to India’s culture and heritage.
How to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
To apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans and craftspeople can register themselves online on the official website of the Ministry of MSMEs. They can also register themselves through Common Service Centers (CSCs).
Once registered, artisans and craftspeople can avail the various benefits offered under the scheme by submitting the required documents and applications.
Role of the state governments
The state governments will play a vital role in the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. They will be responsible for identifying eligible artisans and craftspeople, facilitating their registration, and providing them with support to avail the benefits of the scheme.
The governments will also be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the scheme and ensuring that it reaches its intended beneficiaries.
Impact of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
This Yojana is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of artisans and craftspeople in India. The scheme will provide them with the financial assistance, skill training, and marketing support they need to improve their businesses and livelihoods.
The scheme is also expected to help preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a welcome step by the Government of India to support and empower traditional artisans and craftspeople in the country. The scheme is expected to have a significant impact on their lives and help them improve their businesses and livelihoods.
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