PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering artisans and craftspeople across India. The successful implementation of this scheme requires seamless coordination and collaboration among various ministries, government bodies, and stakeholders. By providing support, incentives, and opportunities, the scheme aims to revive traditional crafts, enhance skill development, boost economic growth, and celebrate the true essence of self-reliance in India. The guidelines and annexures mentioned above form the blueprint for the effective execution and monitoring of this visionary scheme.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana : Empowering Artisans and Craftspeople

India has a rich tradition of craftsmanship, with a significant portion of the workforce engaged in various artisanal and craft-related occupations. These skilled individuals, often referred to as ‘Vishwakarmas,’ are the backbone of the country’s informal or unorganised sector, creating products through traditional techniques passed down through generations. To uplift their socio-economic status and enhance the quality of their products and services, the Indian government has launched the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme.

PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme Overview

The PM Vishwakarma scheme is designed to elevate the artisans and craftspeople by providing comprehensive support, aiming to enhance the quality of their work and integrate them into both domestic and global value chains. The scheme has an initial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore and is set to run for an initial period of five years up to 2027-28. The scheme is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, and will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance.

Objectives and Approach

 The key objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme include recognizing artisans as Vishwakarmas, providing skill enhancement opportunities, offering support for modern tools, facilitating access to collateral-free credit, promoting digital transactions, and creating a platform for brand promotion and market linkages. The approach of the scheme involves providing end-to-end holistic support to artisans and craftspeople, promoting empowerment of women and marginalized groups, and raising awareness about social security benefits.

Trades Covered

 The scheme covers a range of traditional trades involving wood, iron/metal, gold/silver, clay, leather, architecture/construction, and others. These trades encompass carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, sculpting, goldsmithing, pottery, masonry, and more.

Benefits under PM Vishwakarma

 The PM Vishwakarma scheme offers a host of benefits to the artisans and craftspeople, including:

Recognition: PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card: Providing an official recognition as a Vishwakarma, enabling eligibility for scheme benefits.

Skill Upgradation: Enhancing skills through assessment, basic training, and advanced training, embedding modern tools and design elements.

Toolkit Incentive: Providing a toolkit incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 to procure improved toolkits.

Credit Support: Offering collateral-free enterprise development loans up to Rs. 3,00,000 with concessional interest and credit guarantee.

Incentive for Digital Transactions: Encouraging digital transactions by providing incentives and cashbacks.

Marketing Support: Assisting in quality certification, branding, e-commerce integration, market linkages, and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.

The PM Vishwakarma scheme embodies a comprehensive effort to empower and uplift artisans and craftspeople, ensuring their integration into formal economies and providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. Through its various components and holistic approach, it aims to redefine and modernize traditional trades, improving the livelihoods and quality of life of countless skilled artisans across the nation.

Technology Upgradation: Supports artisans in adopting modern tools and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of their work.

Research and Documentation: Encourages research and documentation of traditional crafts and knowledge.

Institutional Support: Establishes resource centers and institutions for skill development and capacity building.

Implementation and Coordination:

The scheme is implemented through coordination with various ministries and government bodies, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and others. Each ministry plays a specific role in identifying beneficiaries and providing support.

Review and Monitoring:

A robust monitoring system is in place, including a National Steering Committee and State Monitoring Committees. Key areas of monitoring include progress against timelines, fund utilization, output and outcome indicators, and performance appraisal of implementing agencies.

Evaluation and Updates:

The scheme undergoes third-party mid-term evaluations to identify gaps and make corrections. Impact assessments are conducted to validate outcomes. The scheme guidelines are periodically reviewed and updated by the National Steering Committee.

Eligibility and Registration

To be eligible for registration under PM Vishwakarma, an artisan or craftsperson must be engaged in one of the family-based traditional trades specified in the scheme. The beneficiary should be at least 18 years old at the time of registration and actively engaged in the specified trade. They should not have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes of the Central or State Governments in the past 5 years, except for those who have fully repaid their MUDRA and SVANidhi loans.

Registration and benefits under the scheme are restricted to one member per family. A ‘family’ is defined as consisting of the husband, wife, and unmarried children. Government employees and their family members are not eligible under this scheme.

Streamlined Registration Process

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) in association with Common Service Centres (CSCs) will facilitate the registration process for beneficiaries. The National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) maintained by the Ministry of Labour & Employment will play a crucial role in identifying potential beneficiaries. Applications for enrollment can be made online through the PM Vishwakarma Portal or via CSCs.

The registration process involves providing necessary documents such as Aadhaar, mobile number, bank details, and ration card. Beneficiaries without a ration card will need to produce Aadhaar numbers of all family members. Additionally, they will need to open a bank account if they don’t have one.

Steps for Registration Process

The registration process involves multiple steps, including application through CSCs or open online application via Aadhaar-based biometric authenticated PM Vishwakarma portal. Beneficiaries can apply directly or seek assistance from CSCs. The portal will also facilitate Aadhaar authentication, registration under Udyam Assist Portal, and encourage beneficiaries to onboard the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal.

 Verification and Approval

A three-tier verification and approval process ensures that the registration of beneficiaries is thorough and accurate. Verification occurs at the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body level, followed by vetting and recommendation by the District Implementation Committee, and final approval by the Screening Committee.

Process Flow for Availing Benefits

The benefits under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme encompass skill upgradation, toolkit incentive, credit support, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support. Skill assessment, training, and certification will be managed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), while credit support will be provided through Enterprise Development Loans with concessional interest and credit guarantee.

Financial Provisions

The scheme has an initial budgetary outlay of Rs 13,000 crore, with various components funded and implemented through coordination between MoMSME, MSDE, and the Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Implementation Framework

The implementation framework operates at national, state, and district levels, involving committees like the National Steering Committee, State Monitoring Committee, and District Implementation Committee. Various stakeholders, including MoMSME, MSDE, DFS, state government departments, and financial institutions, play crucial roles in the successful execution of the scheme.

List of Documents Required for PM Vishwakarma Scheme Application

Applicants applying for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme need to provide the following documents for successful processing of their applications:

 Proof of Identity:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Any other government-issued ID

Proof of Residence:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Utility bills (electricity/water/gas) with the applicant’s address
• Artisan/Craftsperson Certificate:

Certificate proving the applicant is an artisan or craftsperson

• Family Income Certificate:
• Certificate indicating the total family income
• Bank Account Details:
• Bank account passbook or statement
• Educational Qualification Certificate:
• Highest educational qualification certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable):

For applicants belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC)

 Business/Artisan Profile:

• Details about the type of business or craft, products made, and the market for the products.
• Ownership/Lease/Rental Documents of Workshop:
• Documents proving ownership, lease, or rental agreement of the workspace

Business Plan:

Detailed plan outlining the business model, marketing strategy, production process, etc.

Declaration and Undertaking:

• A signed declaration stating the authenticity of the provided information and compliance with scheme guidelines
• Any other document as specified by the implementing agency:
• Any additional documents or information as required by the implementing agency for verification and approval
• Applicants should ensure that all documents are valid, up-to-date, and accurate to avoid any delays or issues during the application process.

Key Points:

FAQs on PM Vishwakarma Scheme: 

1. What is the PM Vishwakarma Sammaan Scheme?
   • The PM Vishwakarma Sammaan Scheme is a government initiative aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen across India.
2. Who does the scheme primarily target?
   • The scheme primarily targets traditional artisans and craftsmen to preserve and promote their unique skills and crafts.
3. What kind of support does the scheme offer to artisans?
   • The scheme provides financial support, interest subvention on loans, and facilitates marketing for the products created by artisans. The applicant may apply through the portal of pm vishwakarma.
4. How does the scheme provide financial assistance to artisans?
   • The scheme offers interest subvention on loans, which eases the financial burden on artisans and enhances their access to credit.
5. Which sectors does the scheme cover?
   • The scheme covers various sectors such as textiles, leather, pottery, metalwork, carpentry, and more, where traditional craftsmanship is prevalent.
6. How does the scheme ensure the quality of artisans’ products?
   • The scheme involves the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to facilitate quality certification for artisans’ products.
7. How can artisans avail benefits under the scheme?
   • Artisans can avail benefits by registering under the scheme and accessing financial assistance and marketing support provided by the government.
8. What is the role of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in the scheme?
   • The ministry aids in identifying beneficiaries, enrolling artisans, and spreading awareness about the scheme through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and NIC.
9. How does the scheme coordinate with the Ministry of Labour & Employment?
   • The scheme collaborates with the Ministry of Labour & Employment to access the e-Shram database for identifying beneficiaries eligible for benefits.
10. What is the involvement of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the scheme?
    • The ministry assists in identifying and verifying artisan families residing in urban areas for registration under the scheme.
11. How are families of artisans verified for the scheme’s benefits?
    • The scheme verifies families of artisans through various ministries, like Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, by accessing their Ration Card details.
12. What is the purpose of the National Steering Committee in the scheme?
    • The National Steering Committee reviews and monitors the scheme’s progress at a national level, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with goals.
13. How can artisans provide feedback on the scheme?
    • Artisans can provide feedback through the PM Vishwakarma portal and a dedicated helpline number: 18002677777.
14. What support does the Ministry of Rural Development provide for the scheme?
    • The ministry supports the scheme through infrastructure and skill upgradation programs at the district level, benefiting artisans.
15. What happens if an artisan faces issues with the scheme?
    • Artisans facing issues can contact the helpline number provided or seek assistance through the PM Vishwakarma portal.
16. How does the scheme ensure transparency in fund utilization?
    • The scheme employs an Online Monitoring System (OMS) with a dashboard to ensure transparent monitoring of fund utilization.
17. How does the scheme promote the marketing of artisans’ products?
    • The scheme collaborates with the Ministry of Tourism to market artisans’ products through its network and setups.
18. Who forms the National Committee for Marketing and what is its role?
    • The committee is formed by key representatives and experts, aiming to strategize and enhance the marketing of artisans’ products.
19. How are the scheme’s guidelines updated?
    • The guidelines are reviewed, revised, and updated by the National Steering Committee with the approval of the Union Minister of MSME.
20. What is the role of the Department of Posts in the scheme?
    • The Department of Posts supports in delivering certificates and ID cards to beneficiaries in an efficient manner.
21. What kind of training support is provided by the Ministry of Rural Development?
    • The ministry supports the scheme by providing training and creating digital knowledge resources for artisans through various institutes.
22. How does the scheme involve the Ministry of Textiles?
    • The Ministry of Textiles likely supports in marketing and promoting artisans’ textile products, extending their market reach.
23. What is the role of the Ministry of Agriculture in the scheme?
    • The Ministry of Agriculture provides support by spreading awareness about the scheme and offering infrastructure and structural support at the local level.
24. What is the purpose of the State Monitoring Committees?
    • The State Monitoring Committees play a vital role in evaluating the scheme’s progress at the state level.
25. How is the scheme evaluated for its effectiveness?
    • The scheme undergoes mid-term and impact assessments to identify gaps, validate outcomes, and make necessary improvements for optimal results.

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