PM Vishwakarma
Prelims:
Government Schemes
Mains:
GS Paper I: Indian culture, GS Paper II: Government policies
and interventions, GS Paper III: Indian Economy
Current relevance:
The Government of India
invited 100 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries from the Delhi-NCR region as ‘Special Guests’ to witness the 80th Independence
Day Ceremony at the Red Fort, Delhi, on 15 August 2026,
recognising the contribution of traditional artisans and craftspeople to
India’s cultural heritage.
About PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
1.
The Scheme was launched on 17 September 2023, on
Vishwakarma Jayanti, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) as its nodal ministry.
2. It is implemented by the Ministry of MSME, in convergence with the
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department
of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
3. It is a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Government
of India that provides comprehensive
end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople engaged
in traditional trades using their hands and tools.
4. The scheme covers 18 traditional
trades, including Tailor,
Carpenter, Goldsmith, Blacksmith and Locksmith, among others.
5. 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople have been registered under the scheme.
6. Support includes skill
upgradation, modern tools, financial assistance, digital enablement and market
linkages.
Objectives:
1.
Promote the socio-economic empowerment of traditional artisans and craftspeople.
2. Strengthen and preserve India's traditional
crafts and cultural heritage.
3. Improve artisans' skills and access to modern
tools and financial support.
4. Promote digital
enablement and market access for
traditional occupations.
5. Ensure sustainable
livelihood opportunities for artisans.
Benefits
& Support:
1.
Registration: Traditional artisans and craftspeople are formally registered under the
scheme, enabling them to access the various support benefits provided under PM
Vishwakarma.
2. Basic Skill Training: Beneficiaries receive basic skill training aimed at upgrading their occupational skills and improving
their capabilities in traditional trades.
3. Toolkit Support:
Artisans are provided with toolkits and
modern tools to support their traditional
occupations and strengthen their work capabilities.
4. Financial Support: The
scheme extends financial
assistance to artisans to strengthen their livelihood
activities and promote their socio-economic empowerment.
5. Digital Enablement & Market Linkages: Support for digital adoption
and market connectivity helps artisans improve
their access to markets and expand their economic opportunities.
Significance:
1.
Recognition of
Artisans: Participation in the Independence Day
celebration acknowledges the contribution of traditional craftspeople to
India's heritage.
2. Women’s Empowerment: Inclusion of women artisans reflects efforts towards greater economic participation and livelihood opportunities
for women.
3. Cultural Preservation: Supporting traditional trades helps preserve India's artisanal knowledge and cultural heritage.
4. Sustainable Livelihoods: Skill, tools, finance and market support can strengthen the long-term
economic sustainability of traditional occupations.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2299286®=3&lang=1