The Prime Minister Vishwakarma Skill Honor (PM VIKAS), often simply called PM Vishwakarma, is an initiative by the Indian government designed to empower artisans and craftspeople throughout the nation. On September 17, 2023, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) introduced the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This government initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople, encompassing training, technology, credit, and market assistance to bolster their efforts.
The scheme encompasses 18 trades, including carpentry, boat making, armoury, blacksmithing, tool making, locksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting, stone carving, cobbling, masonry, basket weaving, doll and toy making, barbering, garland making, laundry, tailoring, and fishing net making. These skilled individuals, referred to as 'Vishwakarmas,' stand to benefit from the program's provisions.
Acknowledging artisans and craftspeople as 'Vishwakarma,' granting them eligibility for various benefits offered under the scheme.
Offering skill enhancement to refine their abilities and introduce them to pertinent training prospects.
Facilitating convenient access to credit without collateral and reducing credit costs through interest subvention, as stated on the official website.
Creating avenues for brand promotion and establishing market connections to assist 'Vishwakarma' in exploring new avenues for growth.
· Artisans or craftspeople aged 18 and above, engaged in family-based traditional trades within the unorganized or informal sector, are eligible for scheme registration.
· Beneficiaries should not have availed loans under similar credit schemes from the Central or any state government for self-employment or business purposes within the last five years. However, MUDRA and SVANidhi beneficiaries who have fully repaid their loans are eligible under PM Vishwakarma.
· Scheme benefits are limited to one member per household.
· Government employees and their family members are ineligible under the scheme.
This comprehensive initiative aims to offer comprehensive assistance to artisans and craftspeople across the nation through the following provisions:
PM Vishwakarma Certificate And ID Card
Upon enrollment in the scheme, artisans are provided with a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card, each bearing a unique digital number. These credentials validate their status as 'Vishwakarma,' granting eligibility for all associated benefits. Both digital and physical formats are available.
Skill Enhancement: The scheme's skill development component targets the enhancement of traditional artisans' abilities, who have long relied on conventional tools. According to PM Vishwakarma's official website, this includes a skill assessment, basic training, and advanced training.
Skill Assessment: To gauge the proficiency levels of registered beneficiaries, a skill assessment will be conducted.
Basic Training: A comprehensive program spanning approximately 40 hours (over five-seven days), focusing on formalizing existing skills and enhancing proficiency.
Advanced Training: Eligible beneficiaries interested in further skill refinement can opt for advanced training, lasting 15 days (120 hours) or more at designated centres.
Training Stipend: Beneficiaries undergoing both basic and advanced training programs will receive a daily stipend of Rs 500.
Toolkit Incentive: Upon commencement of basic training, beneficiaries will receive a toolkit incentive of up to Rs 15,000. This amount will be disbursed through e-RUPI/e-vouchers, redeemable at designated centres for upgraded toolkits.
To avail of the benefits provided by this program, it is necessary to have the following documents readily accessible:
Aadhar Card
Voter Identity Card
Proof of Occupation
Mobile Number
Bank Account Details
Income Certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
The process of applying for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme online is straightforward and can be completed through a series of simple and user-friendly steps. These steps include:
Official Website: Begin by accessing the scheme’s official website.
Registration: Choose the "Register" option and complete the process by entering your mobile number and undergoing Aadhaar e-KYC verification.
Artisan Enrollment Form: Upon registration, proceed to the "Apply Online For Artisan Registration Form" section.
Form Completion: Thoroughly fill out the application form with accurate details, including your name, skill set, Aadhaar number, and other required information.
Document Submission: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as your Aadhaar card, bank details, skill certificate, etc.
Application Review: Carefully review your application before submitting it. Once submitted, you will receive an application ID for tracking purposes.
Moreover, the Indian government plans to develop a specialized mobile application for the scheme. This app will offer artisans and craftspeople a convenient platform to register, monitor their application status, access scheme information, and potentially avail of other services.
