PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Three Years of Implementation

Background

  • Launched in 2023, the scheme completed three years of implementation in September 2026.
  • Implemented by the Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial Services (Ministry of Finance).
  • Built on three pillars: Samman (Respect), Samarthya (Capability), and Samriddhi (Prosperity).
  • Aims to strengthen the Guru-Shishya parampara (family-based practice of traditional skills) by providing end-to-end support to artisans in the unorganized sector.

Key Features

  • Nature: Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Union Government.
  • Financial Outlay: Rs 13,000 crore for five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
  • Eligibility:
  • Artisans/craftspeople aged 18 years or above engaged in any of the 18 notified traditional trades.
  • Working with hands and tools in the unorganised sector on a self-employment basis.
  • Must not have availed similar government self-employment loans in the previous 5 years.
  • Benefits limited to one member per family; government employees and their families excluded.
  • MUDRA and PM SVANidhi beneficiaries who have fully repaid loans are eligible.

Components of the Scheme

  • Recognition: PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card.
  • Skill Upgradation: Basic Training (5-7 days) and Advanced Training (15+ days) with a stipend of Rs 500 per day.
  • Toolkit Incentive: E-voucher of up to Rs 15,000 for modern tools.
  • Credit Support: Collateral-free Enterprise Development Loans up to Rs 3 lakh in two tranches (Rs 1 lakh for 18 months; Rs 2 lakh for 30 months) at a concessional 5% interest rate, with government interest subvention up to 8%.
  • Digital Transaction Incentive: Rs 1 per eligible digital payout/receipt, capped at 100 transactions per month.
  • Marketing Support: E-commerce onboarding (GeM, ONDC, Amazon), trade fairs, branding, and packaging support.

Key Achievements (2023–2026)

  • 30 lakh verified beneficiaries registered (target achieved).
  • Over 24.37 lakh artisans completed basic skill training.
  • 18.15 lakh modern toolkits delivered via India Post.
  • Over 6.18 lakh collateral-free loans worth nearly Rs 5,300 crore sanctioned.
  • Over 30,000 beneficiaries onboarded onto e-commerce platforms.
  • Integration of Divyangjan artisans via the 'One Station One Product' (OSOP) scheme at railway stations and airports.
  • Craft stalls integrated into star hotels (Taj, Radisson) in Goa, Gujarat, Bihar; partnership with TRIFED linking tribal artisans to Tribes India networks.

Significance

  • Formalization of the Informal Economy: Integrates unorganized workers into the formal economy through digital transactions, bank accounts, and institutional credit.
  • Socio-Economic Upliftment: Traditional trades are predominantly practiced by SC, ST, OBC communities and rural families; the scheme tackles rural poverty and builds grassroots livelihoods.
  • Preservation of Heritage: Prevents extinction of indigenous crafts by making them economically viable for younger generations.
  • Productivity Enhancement: Modern toolkits enhance efficiency, quality, and earnings, bridging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary market demands.

Conclusion

PM Vishwakarma integrates traditional occupations into a national support framework while preserving their local, family-based character. By strengthening the Guru-Shishya tradition and supporting artisans across the value chain, it seeks to preserve traditional skills and sustain their relevance in a changing economy.