About the Scheme

• PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme launched recently to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. 
• It is a new scheme with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore and is fully funded by the Central government. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise is the nodal ministry of PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
• The prime focus of PM Vishwakarma is at improving the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that they are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.
• The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India. 
• Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under PM Vishwakarma. These include (i) Carpenter; (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith ; (v) Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; (vi) Locksmith; (vii) Goldsmith; (viii) Potter; (ix) Sculptor, Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan); (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); (xiv) Barber; (xv) Garland maker; (xvi) Washerman; (xvii) Tailor; and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker.

Benefits of the scheme

• The Scheme envisages provisioning of the following benefits to the artisans and craftspersons: 
  • (i) Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
  • (ii) Skill Upgradation: Basic Training and Advanced Training, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day; 
  • (iii) Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
  • (iv) Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh at a concessional rate of interest.
  • (v) Incentive for Digital Transaction: An amount of Re. 1 per digital transaction, upto maximum 100 transactions monthly for each digital pay-out or receipt. 
  • (vi) Marketing Support: Marketing support in the form of quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms, advertising, publicity, etc.

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced the commencement of the Training of Master Trainers & Assessors Program under PM Vishwakarma scheme to empower artisans and craftsmen community in identified trades.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1975124