New Delhi: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, aims to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople, including women, who work with their hands and tools. The scheme offers various components such as recognition through PM Vishwakarma Certificates and ID Cards, skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, credit support, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support. The primary goal is to help artisans enhance their traditional skills, acquire new techniques, and produce improved products.
Covering 18 trades, the scheme targets self-employed artisans and craftspeople typically considered part of the informal or unorganized sector. Beneficiaries under the scheme are registered on the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP), making them eligible for Priority Sector Lending.
As of July 18, 2024, a total of 2,28,17,230 artisans have enrolled, with 13,94,942 successfully registered beneficiaries, including 5,42,222 women. In West Bengal, 7,73,617 artisans have enrolled, with 2,32,022 being women.
Nationwide, 5,03,161 candidates have received basic training under the scheme, of which 2,74,703 are female. The state and UT-wise details of female and total candidates certified in Basic Training under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme are provided in Annexure I.
Among the trades, Tailor (Darzi), Malakaar, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Basket Maker/Basket Weaver, Mat Maker/Coir Weaver/Broom Maker, and Washerman (Dhobi) have more than 50% female candidates as of July 15, 2024.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to bolster the traditional skills of artisans while integrating new techniques to elevate the quality of their products. This initiative is pivotal in supporting the informal sector, providing artisans with the tools and training needed to thrive in a modern economy.
For more detailed information, including the state-wise and UT-wise data on female candidates and overall candidates certified, please refer to Annexure I on the Ministry’s website.
This information was provided by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.