PM Modi to launch ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme on September 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a new scheme called “PM Vishwakarma” on the occasion of ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’ on September 17. This scheme is aimed at providing support to artisans, craftsmen, and individuals engaged in traditional skills and crafts.
The statement highlights Prime Minister Modi’s consistent commitment to supporting those involved in traditional crafts. This support extends beyond financial assistance to encompass the preservation and promotion of age-old traditions, culture, and diverse heritage through locally crafted products and traditional art and crafts. By launching the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme, the government aims to further bolster and empower individuals who contribute to the preservation and flourishing of these valuable aspects of India’s cultural heritage.
‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’ is celebrated to honor Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and craftsman, and it is fitting that on this occasion, the government is taking steps to recognize and assist the skilled artisans and craftsmen who play a pivotal role in upholding India’s rich artistic traditions. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to the promotion of traditional skills and the economic well-being of those engaged in these crafts.
The “PM Vishwakarma” scheme, initially introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Independence Day, is a monumental initiative with far-reaching implications for India’s traditional artisans, craftsmen, and skilled individuals engaged in various age-old trades and crafts. This ambitious endeavor is fully funded by the Union government and is backed by a substantial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting and preserving India’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
One of the core features of this scheme is the seamless registration process it offers to prospective beneficiaries. They can register free of charge through common services centers using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. This user-friendly and accessible registration process is designed to ensure that individuals with traditional skills can easily avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits.
Crucially, the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme seeks to provide recognition and validation to these skilled artisans and craftsmen. Beneficiaries of the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identification card, a symbolic recognition of their contributions to traditional crafts. This recognition not only honors their skills but also helps establish their identity and legitimacy within the framework of the scheme.
To further empower these artisans, the scheme includes provisions for skill upgradation. This involves both basic and advanced training to enhance their proficiency in their respective crafts. Such skill enhancement is vital for improving the quality of their products and increasing their competitiveness in the market.
Additionally, the scheme addresses the practical needs of these skilled individuals. It provides a toolkit incentive amounting to Rs 15,000, which can be utilized to procure essential tools and equipment required for their crafts. This support is instrumental in ensuring that artisans have access to the necessary resources to maintain and improve their craftwork.
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of the scheme is its financial support. Beneficiaries will be able to access collateral-free credit support, a lifeline for many artisans and craftsmen looking to expand their businesses or sustain their livelihoods. In the first tranche, they can avail themselves of up to Rs 1 lakh, and in the second tranche, up to Rs 2 lakh, both at a concessional interest rate of just five percent. This financial assistance is designed to be affordable and accessible, making it easier for skilled individuals to invest in their craft or trade.
Recognizing the need for modernization, the scheme also encourages digital transactions by offering incentives in this regard. This shift towards digitalization aligns with contemporary business practices and opens up opportunities for these artisans to reach a broader customer base.
Lastly, the scheme provides marketing support, recognizing that showcasing their products effectively is essential for the economic success of these artisans. By helping them market their crafts, the scheme enables beneficiaries to reach a wider audience and sell their products more efficiently.
In conclusion, the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme represents a comprehensive effort to uplift and empower traditional artisans and craftsmen in India. It not only acknowledges their cultural significance but also aims to provide them with the tools, skills, financial support, and recognition they need to flourish in a modernizing world. This scheme aligns with India’s rich heritage and cultural diversity while also fostering economic growth and livelihood enhancement for those engaged in traditional crafts and skills.
An integral aspect of the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme is its mission to bolster and preserve the revered “Guru-Shishya parampara” or the mentor-student tradition inherent in the practice of traditional skills. This tradition is deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been the cornerstone of passing down expertise and knowledge from one generation to the next within families and communities. By nurturing and strengthening this traditional knowledge-sharing dynamic, the scheme not only safeguards these time-honored crafts and skills but also ensures their continuity and evolution for future generations.
Moreover, the scheme’s primary objective is to elevate the quality and reach of products and services crafted by artisans and craftspeople. It seeks to enhance the standards of these traditional crafts to meet modern expectations and global standards while preserving their authentic essence. This is not only about improving the artistic and technical aspects of their work but also about integrating these artisans and their products into both domestic and international value chains.
In essence, the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme is a multi-faceted initiative that acknowledges the significance of traditional skills and crafts in India’s cultural tapestry. It empowers artisans and craftspeople with the tools, training, financial support, recognition, and access to markets they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world while ensuring the preservation and perpetuation of India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. By doing so, the scheme contributes not only to the livelihoods of these skilled individuals but also to the vibrant mosaic of India’s diverse heritage.
The “PM Vishwakarma” scheme is designed to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople, encompassing both rural and urban areas across India. This inclusivity acknowledges the diverse landscape of traditional skills and crafts found throughout the country.
Under this scheme, a total of eighteen traditional crafts will receive support and recognition. These crafts include a wide array of skilled trades that represent India’s cultural diversity and historical craftsmanship. They encompass carpenters, boat-makers, armorers, blacksmiths, hammer and tool kit makers, locksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors, stone-breakers, cobblers, masons, basket/mat/broom makers, coir weavers, doll and toy makers, barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors, and fishing net makers.
These crafts have been traditionally practiced and preserved by artisans and craftspeople from various communities across India. It’s notable that many of these skilled individuals belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. By extending support to these occupations, the scheme not only aims to uplift and empower these skilled workers but also aligns with broader social and political objectives.
The scheme’s outreach to members of the OBCs, who have historically been engaged in these occupations, is viewed as an effort by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to connect with and address the needs of this significant voting segment. It reflects a commitment to addressing the economic well-being and aspirations of these communities, recognizing the vital role they play in preserving and perpetuating India’s traditional crafts and skills.
In summary, the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme is a comprehensive endeavor aimed at supporting artisans and craftspeople from diverse backgrounds across India. By covering eighteen traditional crafts and reaching out to members of the OBCs, it not only uplifts these skilled individuals but also aligns with social and political objectives, contributing to the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
