- Thursday, February 27, 2025
Modi had announced in his Independence Day speech in August that his government would soon launch a scheme for individuals who are trained in traditional craftsmanship.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (17) launched the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme for the benefit of traditional artisans on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, a day of celebration for Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect.
Last month, he had announced in his Independence Day speech in Delhi that his government would soon launch a scheme for individuals who are trained in traditional craftsmanship.
India's artisanal diversity on display at Yashobhoomi! pic.twitter.com/ht7ecE9e0X
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 17, 2023
Yashobhoomi in Dwarka stands as a testament to modern architectural brilliance and sustainable design. It has state-of-the-art facilities and eco-friendly features. As it also seamlessly connects with the Delhi Metro Airport Express, it will ensure leading global conferences and… pic.twitter.com/nftLj5hQC4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 17, 2023
The launch of the scheme also came on the 73rd birth anniversary of Modi. He also launched 18 post tickets and toolkit booklet at the launch session at the India International Convention and Expo Centre (Yashobhoomi) in Dwarka in New Delhi.
“Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, the government will provide up to Rs 3 lakh (£2,913) loan without any (bank) guarantee. It has also been ensured that the interest rate is also very low. Govt has decided that Rs 1 lakh (£971) loan will be given in the beginning and when it is repaid, govt will provide additional Rs 2 lakh (£1,932) loan to the Vishwakarma partners,” Modi said at the launch.
About the scheme:
The ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme will be fully funded by the federal government with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore.
Under the scheme, the prospective beneficiaries will be registered for free through common services centres using the PM Vishwakarma portal, which is biometric based.
The scheme will support artisans and craftspeople in both rural and urban areas across the country.
Initially, 18 traditional trades will be covered under the scheme, including potter, sculptor, boat maker, stone breaker, hammer and toolkit makers, among others.
Five lakh (500,000) families will be covered under the scheme in the first year while a total of 30 lakh (3 million) families will be covered between 2024 and 2028.
The beneficiaries of the scheme will get recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and identity card, besides upgrading of skills, involving basic and advanced training.
