About the Scheme

• ‘Pehchan’ cards scheme is a part of the initiative of the Union Textile Ministry to register and provide identity cards to handicraft artisans and link them to a national database. 
• Launched in 2016, it is a new upgraded ID card for artisans that is linked with their Aadhaar numbers and bank accounts so that they can receive direct cash transfer benefits.
• The scheme was planned to facilitate the benefits of various schemes of the Union Government to flow directly into their accounts.
• Besides, the ID card enables the artisans to avail easy loans at lower interest rate.

Why in News?

• 27.80 lakhs handicrafts artisans across the country have been registered under the PAHCHAN scheme this year.

Reference:

1. https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=27.80-lakhs-handicrafts-artisans-registered-under-PAHCHAN-scheme-as-on-October-31%2c-says-Textiles-minister-Piyush-Goyal&id=430642