Around 30 lakh artisans and craftsmen have registered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in the last two years, with over 4.7 lakh loans amounting to ₹41,188 crore sanctioned to support business development activities, the government has announced.
Nearly 26 lakh beneficiaries have completed skill verification, of which 86 percent have successfully finished their basic training. Raajmistri (mason) is currently the most registered trade under the scheme.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, on Vishwakarma Day, is designed to empower traditional artisans by enhancing their skills, equipping them with modern tools, and improving their market access. With a total financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28, the scheme offers end-to-end support for artisans, including skill development, collateral-free credit, and brand promotion.
To encourage the adoption of modern technologies, over 23 lakh e-vouchers have been issued as toolkit incentives. District Project Management Units (DPMUs) have been appointed in 497 locations covering 618 districts to generate awareness, coordinate stakeholder activities, schedule training, and monitor compliance.
Special focus is given to empowering women, marginalised communities including SCs, STs, OBCs, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, and artisans from the North-East, islands, and hilly areas.
By bringing small artisans under a single umbrella, the scheme aims to preserve age-old traditions while enabling them to thrive in a competitive market. It also seeks to connect artisans with global markets, boost productivity, and improve product quality, thereby supporting their socio-economic growth.
(With inputs from IANS)
