PM VISHWAKARMA SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2– Government schmes)

Context: Recently, in observance of 'Vishwakarma Jayanti,' the Prime Minister of India launched the 'PM Vishwakarma scheme, allocating Rs 13,000 crore to support traditional artisans.

PM Vishwakarma scheme

• About: It is a pioneering scheme designed to uplift individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from the OBC community.
• Aim: To strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.

oImproving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and ensuring that the Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.

• Features: The artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Credit Support up to Rs.1 lakh (First Tranche) and Rs.2 lakh (Second Tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%. 

oThe Scheme will further provide Skill Upgradation, Toolkit Incentives, Incentive for Digital Transactions and Marketing Support.

oThe scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India. 

o18 traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma.