VISHWAKARMA SCHEME

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme in New Delhi, a government initiative aimed at supporting workers engaged in traditional crafts and skills.
• This newly unveiled scheme, with a substantial budget of Rs 13,000 crore, is fully funded by the Central government.
• It holds significance not only for its economic implications but also as a means for reaching out to economically marginalized and socially backward communities, particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBC) groups. 

2. About the Vishwakarma Scheme

• The Vishwakarma scheme derives its name from Vishwakarma, a prominent figure in Hindu mythology who is considered the architect of the gods.
• He is revered as the divine carpenter and master craftsman responsible for crafting weapons for the gods and constructing their cities and chariots.
• Vishwakarma is regarded as the patron deity of workers, artisans, and artists.

3. Eligibility for the Vishwakarma Scheme

• The scheme primarily focuses on professionals engaged in traditional crafts and skills that have been passed down through generations, often taught by family elders.
• These skilled workers have encountered various challenges, including the lack of professional training, access to modern tools, distance from relevant markets, and limited capital for investment.
• The Vishwakarma scheme aims to assist families associated with 18 different sectors, which include:

1. Carpenters
2. Boat Makers
3. Armourers
4. Blacksmiths
5. Hammer and Tool Kit Makers
6. Locksmiths
7. Goldsmiths
8. Potters
9. Sculptors and Stone breakers
10. Cobblers (Shoesmiths/Footwear artisans)
11. Masons (Rajmistri)
12. Basket/Mat/Broom Makers/Coir Weavers
13. Doll & Toy Makers (Traditional)
14. Barbers
15. Garland makers
16. Washermen
17. Tailors
18. Fishing Net Makers

4. Benefits of the Vishwakarma Scheme

The Vishwakarma scheme offers several benefits to enhance the skills and livelihoods of workers in these traditional sectors:

1. Registration: Vishwakarma workers will be registered for free through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.
2. Recognition: They will receive recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
3. Skill Upgradation: Workers will undergo skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training.
4. Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 will be provided to help workers acquire modern tools.
5. Credit Support: Collateral-free credit support will be extended, with the first tranche offering ₹1 lakh and the second tranche ₹2 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
6. Digital Transactions: An incentive for digital transactions will be provided.
7. Marketing Support: Workers will receive marketing support to promote their crafts.

• The scheme would provide a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training and Rs 1,500 for the purchase of modern tools.
• The first year aims to cover five lakh families, with a target of reaching 30 lakh families over five years.
• Additionally, the scheme intends to integrate Vishwakarmas into domestic and global value chains, promoting economic growth and sustainability.

5. The Way Forward

• The PM Vishwakarma scheme stands as a significant initiative to empower traditional crafts and skills, providing much-needed support to artisans and workers in various sectors.
• By addressing the challenges faced by these skilled individuals and offering skill enhancement, financial assistance, and marketing support, the government aims to uplift marginalized communities while preserving and promoting India's rich heritage of craftsmanship.