(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) PM Vishwakarma Yojana

(NOVEMBER-2023)

PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Introduction:

Rural India, often depicted as the agrarian backbone of the nation, is home to a vast pool of untapped and traditional talent. Rural India possesses its own unique reservoir of skills, creativity, and potential. This unique reservoir in the rural economy mainly consists of artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
These artisans possess exceptional skills in various traditional crafts like pottery, carpentry, metalwork, etc. Artisanal activities form a significant part of rural economies and these artistic expressions are not only aesthetically valuable but also integral to preserving India's heritage.
These artisans are typically self-employed and are generally considered to be a part of the informal or unorganised sector of the economy. In the context of Guru-Shishya parampara, these traditional artisans and craftspeople are referred to as Vishwakarmas.

Trades Covered

Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, the traditional trades covered are Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai), Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhaar), Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stonebreaker, Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan, Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber (Naai), Garland Maker (Malakaar), Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor (Darzi), and Fishing Net Maker.
These trades in rural areas help generate small economies, contributing to the development of the rural economy.
As per e-Shram portal, a national database for unorganised workers, more than 2 crore workers falling under the 14 trades, excluding Boat Maker, Armourer, Garland Maker, and Fishing Net Maker, have registered on the portal. The registrations are based on self declaration of the artisans/craftspeople.

Objective of PM Vishwakarma

On Independence Day this year, from the ramparts of Red Fort, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India made a very significant declaration: one that will have an affirmative impact on the lives of millions of Indians by enhancing, deepening, and strengthening the supply chain and augmenting the demand for certain products and services.
It was the announcement that the Central Government will launch a holistic scheme of Rs. 13,000 crore to recognise the immense contribution of our traditional and skilled artisans and craftsmen, working with their hands and tools, towards the nation-building exercise by providing them smooth and hassle-free end-to-end support.

Benefits

There is a need felt to provide a conducive environment for artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools to enable them to deliver better, to facilitate their access to modern tools, technology, and markets, and to onboard them into the fast-evolving world of digitalisation. A comprehensive approach has, therefore, been advocated in PM Vishwakarma. Thus, the scheme intends to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople through the following six interventions:

Recognition: The beneficiaries will get a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID card after they are registered and verified as per the scheme guidelines.
Skill Upgradation: Artisans will receive basic training of 5-7 days and advanced training of 15 days or more, along with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day as wage compensation. The Government of India has entrusted the skilling work to MSDE. During the skill training, efforts will be made to impart the highest quality training to the beneficiaries, and master trainers in the trade will be sourced from the industry and the community. At the end of the basic training, an independent assessment will be conducted, and National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification will be provided to successful candidates. The Government will also arrange board and lodging facilities for the beneficiaries during the training, which will be fully funded by the Government and provided free of cost.
Toolkit Incentive: In addition to skill training, after skill assessment at the beginning of basic training, artisans and craftspeople will get toolkit incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 through e-RUPI/evouchers. Digital guides and short video tutorials
will be presented to Vishwakarmas to acquaint and enable them to skillfully handle modern tools in their respective trades.
Credit Support: The Government will provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh, according to their requirements. This economic stability will help them become self-reliant and improve their lives. These loans can be paid back in 18 months and 30 months, respectively.
Incentive for Digital Transaction: The world is moving towards digital platforms, which transcends physical barriers. We realised this even more so during the pandemic time. Accordingly, the scheme will encourage beneficiaries to adopt digital transactions. The beneficiaries of this Scheme will be given cashback incentives every time they either sell or receive a digital transaction.
Marketing Support: A marketing strategy has been prepared to promote the products and services of these artisans in both domestic and international markets. This strategy includes elements such as quality certification, branding, advertising, publicity, and other marketing activities aimed at enhancing their connection to value chains. These services will be customised and offered according to the beneficiary’s requirements, which may include fee reimbursement for onboarding on e-commerce platforms like GeM, obtaining quality certifications, or participating in trade fairs.

Conclusion

Through PM Vishwakarma, we hope that lakhs of artisans and craftspeople whose entrepreneurship we are proud of are able to establish enterprises of their own. Our plan to support artisans and craftspeople goes well beyond the contours of the scheme. We will ensure necessary linkages with on-going government schemes and programmes.
Beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma will be linked to the Udyam portal, in case they have PAN, or to the Udyam Assist Platform, in case they do not have PAN. Such linkage will help their loans to be categorised as Priority Sector Lending from banks, and also enable them to avail benefits as micro, small, and medium enterprises.