Vishwakarma Portal Receives Over 10L Applications Within 50 Days Of Launch

The Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme, aimed at the upliftment of country’s artisans and craftspeople, has received more than 10 lakh applications in less than three months since its inception. The primary objective of the scheme was to revive the traditional art forms through skill development of artisans and craftsmen and involving modern technology in the operations.

It is worthy to note that the Vishwakarma portal received over one lakh applications within ten days of the launch. “It is a matter of joy to receive more than 1.40 lakh applications within 10 days of the launch of PM Vishwakarma Scheme for Vishwakarma brothers and sisters. PM Vishwakarma Scheme will prove to be a milestone for the all-round development of our Vishwakarma brothers and sisters who have been socially and economically backward for years and will give them their lost respect and identity,” Narayan Rane, Union Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, had informed.

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti on September 17, 2023. It has an initial outlay of INR 13,000 crore over five years up to 2027-2028. The initiative is designed to support artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional industries within the MSME sector. Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the scheme's official portal during a ceremony held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, known as Yashobhoomi, in New Delhi.

PM Vishwakarma Beneficiaries Linked To PIDF Scheme

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme by another two years till December 31, 2025. The RBI also announced the inclusion of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries into the PIDF scheme.

The RBI, in collaboration with authorized card networks, has established the Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). The fund is aimed at promoting the expansion of payment acceptance infrastructure in cities categorized as tier-3 to tier-6, along with a particular emphasis on the northeastern states of India. Special attention will also be directed towards the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh.

Earlier this month, the government emphasized the crucial role of speedy bank account verification in ensuring the successful execution of the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The order came during a comprehensive assessment of the banking readiness for the recently launched program designed to provide support to traditional artisans and craftsmen.

Marketing Support

The registered artisans and craftspeople will be provided support by the National Committee for Marketing (NCM) for the marketing and branding of their products in the form of quality certification, branding, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities. This will improve beneficiaries’ linkage to the value chain of MSMEs and established companies.

The 18 initial trades included by the government under the scheme are Carpenters, Boat Makers, Armourer, Blacksmiths, Hammer and Tool Kit Makers, Locksmiths, Goldsmiths, Potter, Sculptors/stone carver/Stone breaker, Cobblers/Footwear artisans, Masons, Basket/Mat/Broom Makers/Coir Weavers, Doll & Toy Makers, Barbers, Garland Makers, Washermen, Tailors, and Fishing Net Makers.

The list of trades would be modified by the National Steering Committee with the approval of the MSME Ministry.

The PM Vishwakarma scheme, if implemented successfully, will mark a significant step towards skill development and entrepreneurship among the artisans and craftspeople of the country. The scheme will open new horizons for the community by empowering them with appropriate skill training and modern tools. Also, not only will this scheme preserve art that has survived generations, but it will also help in advancing it with new innovative ideas. As the scheme unfolds and evolves, the local products will also grab global eyeballs with great marketing. With the overall implementation of the scheme, the artisan community is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the nation's socio-economic development, ultimately bringing about a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

In conclusion, the PM Vishwakarma scheme has the potential to commence a new era for the country’s artisans, equipping them with essential skill training and advanced tools. Beyond preservation, the scheme will also serve as a catalyst for the evolution of traditional art, incorporating fresh and innovative concepts.