PM Modi launches Vishwakarma Scheme

  • Prime Minister recently launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.
  • Vishwakarma, in Hindu mythology, is seen as the architect of the gods and was the divine carpenter and master craftsman.
  • The scheme will provide government support to workers engaged in traditional crafts and skills.

Background

  • This scheme was first announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech.
  • The scheme is also being seen as a means for the government to reach out to the economically marginalised and socially backward communities – particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBC) groups.

About the scheme

  • It is a new scheme with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore and is fully funded by the Central government.
  • It aims to provide subsidised loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to traditional artisans and craftsmen including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers.
  • The scheme’s other objective is to raise the standard of the goods and services provided by artisans and craftsmen while also expanding their market presence.
  • This scheme will ensure that Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME)
  • Implementation support: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
  • Eligibility & coverage
    • Rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India.
    • 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc.
    • Five lakh families will be covered in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.

Benefits under the scheme

  • The Vishwakarma workers will be registered for free through Common Services Centres (CSC) using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.
  • They will then be provided recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
  • They will be given:
    • skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training,
    • a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000,
    • credit support without the need for collateral of up to 1 lakh (first tranche) and 2 lakh (second tranche) at an interest rate that is subsidized to 5%,
    • incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.
  • A toolkit booklet has also been released in 12 Indian languages, with accompanying video elements.
    • This will aid the knowledge of workers on new technologies in their field.
  • Skilling programmes will take place at both basic and advanced types.
  • Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day while undergoing training.

Need

  • The professionals engaged in traditional crafts and skills for centuries are often taught by elders in the family and have faced certain problems.
  • These include a lack of professional training for their work, of modern tools, the issue of distance from the markets relevant to them and the availability of little capital for investment.

Other related Government Initiatives

  • Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana:

    • To assist artisans in meeting their requirements for the development of their infrastructure, technology, and human resources.
    • The goal of organizing skilled laborers into mutual aid societies and self-help groups is to achieve the objectives of facilitating mass production and achieving cost savings in the acquisition of raw materials.

  • Mega Cluster Scheme:

    • The generation of employment opportunities as well as an improvement in the artisans’ standard of living are included among the goals of this program.
    • This program takes a cluster-based approach in expanding production chains and infrastructure at handicraft centers, particularly in more remote areas.

  • Marketing Support and Services Scheme:

    • This program gives artisans access to interventions for domestic marketing events in the form of financial assistance. This assistance enables the artisans to better organize and participate in trade fairs and exhibitions all over the country and even internationally.

  • Research and Development Scheme:

    • The purpose of launching this initiative was to collect feedback on the economic, social, aesthetic, and promotional aspects of the sector’s crafts and artisans, with the end goal of supporting the implementation of the aforementioned schemes.

  • National Handicraft Development Programme:

    • The conducting of surveys, the upgrading of design and technology, the development of human resources, the provision of insurance and credit facilities to artisans, research and development, the development of infrastructure, and marketing support activities are important components of this program.

  • Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme:

    • The strategy behind this plan is to beef up the infrastructure and production chain in areas that are known for their handicrafts. In addition, the purpose of this plan is to establish an adequate infrastructure for production, value addition, and quality control.

  • Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts:

    • Handicrafts export is the primary focus of the council, and its primary mission is to promote, support, protect, maintain, and expand handicraft export.
    • Aside from that, the council is responsible for the dissemination of information, the provision of professional advice and support to members, the organization of delegation visits and fairs, the maintenance of liaison between exporters and the government, and the facilitation of awareness workshops.