The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2025, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a significant initiative aimed at economically empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen across India. This scheme has garnered attention due to its wide reach, substantial budget of Rs 13,000 crore, and the promise to benefit around 30 lakh artisans. Traditional occupations in India such as carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, cobblers, and tailors have long been an integral part of the country’s culture and economy.
However, due to modernization and technological advancements, many artisans have struggled to sustain themselves. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana seeks to bridge this gap by offering skill training, toolkit assistance, low-interest loans, and digital inclusion. In this blog, we will delve into the details of the scheme, its key features, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2025?
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2025 is a central sector scheme launched by the Government of India to empower traditional artisans and craftsmen. The scheme is named after Lord Vishwakarma, who is believed to be the divine architect and craftsman in Hindu mythology. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the skills of these artisans, connect them with modern technology, and make them economically self-reliant. The scheme targets a diverse range of occupations, from carpenters to blacksmiths and weavers, offering them a platform to grow and flourish.
The scheme was officially launched on 17th September 2023 and has been developed with the mission to preserve traditional arts and crafts while simultaneously integrating these artisans into the digital economy. With an allocated budget of Rs 13,000 crore, this scheme is set to provide financial assistance, training, and resources to artisans across the country.
Key Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Name of the scheme | PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2025 |
Launch Date | 17 September 2023 |
Target Beneficiaries | Traditional artisans and craftsmen |
Total Budget | Rs 13,000 crore |
Loan Amount | Up to Rs 3 lakh |
Interest Rate | 5% per annum |
Toolkit Assistance | Up to Rs 15,000 |
Training Period | Basic (5-7 days), Advanced (15+ days) |
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a variety of benefits that aim to uplift traditional artisans and craftsmen. Here’s a look at some of the key advantages:
- Skill Training: Artisans are provided with both basic and advanced training programs. This training focuses on enhancing their existing skills and introducing modern techniques to ensure their products meet contemporary market standards.
- Toolkit Assistance: The scheme offers toolkits worth up to Rs 15,000 to artisans, helping them purchase the necessary equipment required for their craft. This enables artisans to improve the quality of their products.
- Affordable Loans: One of the highlights of the scheme is access to loans. Artisans can avail loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at a low-interest rate of 5% per annum. This financial assistance can be used for expanding their business or purchasing raw materials.
- Digital Transaction Incentive: To encourage the adoption of digital payment systems, artisans can earn Re 1 for every digital transaction, with a maximum limit of 100 transactions per month.
- Marketing Support: The scheme provides marketing support to help artisans promote their products and gain access to new markets. This includes assistance with branding and leveraging digital platforms for selling their goods.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to know:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 to 60 years of age.
- Occupation: The scheme targets individuals engaged in one of the 18 selected traditional occupations, including carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, cobbling, tailoring, and more.
- Income: The annual family income of the artisan should be less than Rs 5 lakh.
- Other Condition: The applicant must not have availed of any other government scheme’s benefits in the past 5 years.
Online Application Process
The application process for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is designed to be user-friendly, allowing artisans to apply from their homes or visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Registration: Artisans need to visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to get registered.
- Mobile Verification: Verify your mobile number through OTP.
- Aadhaar eKYC: Complete eKYC using your Aadhaar card.
- Filling Up the Form: Fill out the artisan registration form, providing necessary details about your occupation and skills.
- Document Upload: Upload all the required documents, including identity proof, address proof, and income certificate.
- Submission: After filling out the form and uploading the documents, submit the application. Upon successful submission, you will receive a registration ID.
Also Read: LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship 2025 – Apply Now for ₹40000
Loan Process under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The loan process under this scheme is designed to provide stepwise financial assistance to artisans:
- First Stage: After completing the basic skill training, artisans can avail a loan of Rs 1 lakh.
- Second Stage: Once the first loan is successfully repaid, artisans can apply for an additional loan of Rs 2 lakh after undergoing advanced training.
- Interest Rate: The interest rate on these loans is 5% per annum.
- Repayment Period:
- First loan: 18 months
- Second loan: 30 months
Businesses Included in PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme covers a wide array of traditional professions, giving artisans from various backgrounds an opportunity to participate:
- Carpenter
- Blacksmith
- Potter
- Cobbler
- Tailor
- Barber
- Goldsmith
- Stone Sculptor
- Basket/Mat Weaver
- Washerman
Training Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme provides two levels of training:
- Basic Training: A duration of 5-7 days, designed to introduce artisans to modern techniques and enhance foundational skills.
- Advanced Training: Lasting 15 days or more, this training is intended for artisans who wish to expand their knowledge and improve their craft further.
- Training Allowance: Rs 500 per day is provided as an allowance to cover expenses during the training.
Encouraging Digital Transactions
In addition to promoting financial self-reliance, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana also encourages artisans to adopt digital transactions, offering financial incentives:
- Re 1 Reward: For every digital transaction made via UPI, RuPay cards, or other digital modes, artisans earn Re 1.
- Limit: This reward is applicable to a maximum of 100 transactions per month.
Monitoring of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme is monitored at multiple levels to ensure effective implementation:
- Central Level: Regular reviews by the Ministry.
- State Level: State governments oversee the scheme’s implementation.
- District Level: A committee led by the District Collector reviews progress in each district.
Importance of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana holds immense significance for traditional artisans, as it addresses several critical areas:
- Skill Development: Enhancing the skills of artisans to meet modern market demands.
- Economic Empowerment: Providing low-interest loans to promote financial independence.
- Digital Inclusion: Connecting artisans to the digital economy through digital transactions.
- Cultural Preservation: Supporting and preserving traditional arts and crafts.
- Employment Generation: Creating self-employment opportunities to reduce unemployment.
Challenges of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Like any government scheme, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana also faces certain challenges:
- Lack of Awareness: Many artisans, especially in rural areas, are unaware of the scheme.
- Technical Hurdles: The online application process can be complex for some artisans.
- Quality Control: Ensuring the quality of training and toolkits is a continuous challenge.
- Market Access: Helping artisans gain access to markets for their finished products.
- Loan Recovery: Ensuring timely repayment of loans remains a key area of focus.
Future of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to benefit around 30 lakh artisans and craftsmen by 2025. With continued expansion, more occupations are likely to be included under this scheme, strengthening the rural economy and preserving traditional craftsmanship for future generations.
Conclusion
PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2025 is a transformative initiative that can serve as a boon for traditional artisans and craftsmen in India. By providing access to skill training, financial assistance, and market opportunities, this scheme empowers artisans to become self-reliant.
However, the success of this scheme depends on effective implementation, regular monitoring, and raising awareness among beneficiaries. For artisans, this is not just a scheme—it’s a platform that can transform their lives, preserve traditional crafts, and open doors to new possibilities.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Artisans aged between 18 to 60 years, engaged in one of the 18 selected traditional occupations, with an annual family income below Rs 5 lakh, can apply.
What is the total budget for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2025?
The total budget for this scheme is Rs 13,000 crore.
How can I apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana online?
You can apply by visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), verifying your mobile number, completing Aadhaar eKYC, filling out the registration form, uploading necessary documents, and submitting the form to receive a registration ID.