PM Vishwakarma Scheme

• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months as per Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• The highest number of applications had come from Karnataka followed by West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

ABOUT PM VISHWAKARMA SCHEME

• It was launched on September 17, 2023.
• It is a central sector scheme that is aimed at supporting and providing skill-upgradation training to artisans and craftspeople.
• The Vishwakarma Scheme provides formal training for upgradation and modernisation of traditional skills amid a changing economic landscape.
• It also offers financial assistance and creates avenues of “market linkage” for persons working in 18 trades and crafts.
  • These include carpenter, boat-maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, cobbler, mason, basket-maker, doll and toy-maker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor, and fishing net-maker.
• The applicants are vetted at three levels – by village committees, district and state levels.
• Applicants will attend basic training of five to seven days and advanced training of 15 days with a stipend of ₹500 per day that will expose them to modern tools, latest technologies, design elements, and digital and financial skills.
• The budget envisaged for the scheme from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28 is ₹13,000 crore.
• Only after the artisans and craftspeople have attended the training will they receive a tool kit incentive of ₹15,000, to purchase modern tools specific to their trade.
• They will also receive collateral-free loans at lower interest rates of nearly 8% up to ₹1 lakh and an additional ₹2 lakh for setting up their business.