PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Even today, a significant number of people in the country make a living through traditional occupations. Some work as tailors, others as cobblers, blacksmiths, or earn their income by crafting toys or baskets. Unfortunately, many artisans struggle to advance due to financial constraints, lack of advanced skills, and high-interest loans. To tackle these issues, the government has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana.

Over the past two years, around 30 lakh artisans and craftsmen have signed up for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Out of these, the skills of approximately 26 lakh individuals have been verified, and 86% of them, which is about 22.67 lakh people, have successfully completed basic training.

You can also take part in this scheme and reap its benefits, but you need to meet the eligibility criteria. The government has included 18 different trades in this initiative. Under the Vishwakarma scheme, individuals with traditional skills like goldsmiths, blacksmiths, barbers, and tanners will receive support. Anyone looking to start their own business can access a loan of up to Rs 3 lakh through this government program, without needing any collateral.

What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a unique central government initiative aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen. Its purpose is to empower those who rely on their handicrafts for a living, helping them become self-sufficient. Through this scheme, the government not only offers financial aid but also provides advanced training and easier access to loans. The aim is to ensure that artisans can go beyond just manual labor and turn their skills into a thriving business.

Artisans get these facilities

This initiative, designed to enhance the lives of artisans and craftsmen, is fostering business growth in both urban and rural areas. To help artisans gain recognition as Vishwakarma, the scheme offers skill training, modern tools, collateral-free loans, incentives for digital transactions, brand promotion, and market connections.

You’ll receive money along with training.

This program also offers training from expert trainers to enhance skills in 18 specific trades. Most importantly, participants will get a daily stipend of ₹500. They will also receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgrades for both basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive worth Rs 15,000, and rewards for digital transactions.

Loans are available in two phases.

If a skilled individual can’t start their business due to financial constraints, they can apply for a loan through this scheme. Beneficiaries can receive a loan of Rs 3 lakh. In the first phase, they’ll get Rs 1 lakh to kickstart their business, and in the second phase, they can borrow up to Rs 2 lakh for expansion. This loan comes with a low interest rate of just 5%. To register for the scheme, agents from the Common Service Centre (CSC) will enroll artisans on the portal using Aadhar biometric verification.

Who qualifies for this scheme?

This scheme isn’t for everyone; it’s specifically tailored for individuals involved in 18 traditional trades. These include artisans like barbers, cobblers, tailors, washermen, blacksmiths, stone carvers, sculptors, boat builders, basket or broom makers, toy makers, locksmiths, masons, fishing net makers, and hammer or toolkit makers.

How to apply?

There are two methods to apply for this scheme. You can choose to apply online or offline. For online applications, candidates need to register by visiting the official website of the scheme, https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/. Those without internet access can also apply by going to their nearest Common Service Center (CSC).