The Indian government has been implementing several schemes to promote traditional skills and empower artisans associated with them to become self-reliant. One of these is the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana. This scheme is crucial for those who earn their livelihood through their handicrafts. The government aims to provide better opportunities to these traditional artisans by connecting them with modern technology. Through this scheme, artisans are not only trained but also provided with financial assistance and loan facilities. Let’s understand in detail what this scheme is, what benefits it offers, and who can avail of it.
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What is the Vishwakarma Yojana, and when was it launched?
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana was launched in September 2023. Its objective is to empower traditional artisans in India who earn their livelihood through their skills. People working in a total of 18 traditional occupations are covered under this scheme. These include carpenters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, masons, cobblers, barbers, tailors, sculptors, leather workers, etc. The government wants these artisans to have access to modern tools, training, and financial support so they can expand their work and earn a good income.
Benefits to Beneficiaries
Under the scheme, registered artisans first receive advanced skill training. During the training, beneficiaries receive financial assistance of ₹500 per day to ensure they do not face income disruptions. Additionally, the government provides beneficiaries with ₹15,000 to purchase toolkits necessary for their work. A key feature of this scheme is that it also provides loans to artisans at very low interest rates.
Loan Facility and Terms
Under the first phase of this scheme, eligible individuals are given a loan of ₹1 lakh. This loan is available at a low interest rate, enabling artisans to expand their businesses. Once beneficiaries repay the first loan on time, they have the opportunity to avail an additional loan of ₹2 lakh in the second phase. This financial assistance proves extremely helpful to artisans, as it allows them to expand their operations using more modern tools.
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Who can avail the benefits and loans of this scheme?
This scheme is only available to those who work in 18 traditional occupations identified by the government. Beneficiaries must be Indian citizens, and their source of income must be from traditional skill-based work. Furthermore, the individual must not be directly eligible for any other government skill financing scheme. After registration and completion of the verification process, beneficiaries can receive training, grants, and loans.