How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana Online 2024
03 Sep 2024 5 mins Personal Finance
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a visionary initiative launched by the Indian government on September 17, 2023, to support and empower artisans and craftspeople engaged in traditional trades. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address, the scheme aims to uplift those who work with their hands and tools, ensuring their integration into the broader MSME value chain and providing them with the necessary support to thrive in today’s economy.
What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme designed to preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship in India. It aims to provide financial assistance, skill development, and marketing support to artisans and craftspeople, particularly those from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, who are involved in trades such as weaving, pottery, goldsmithing, blacksmithing, and tailoring.
The scheme is backed by a substantial budget of ₹13,000 crore, with an initial allocation aimed at supporting these traditional industries and integrating them into both domestic and global markets. Learn more about the launch and objectives of the scheme.
Who is Eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Eligibility for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is limited to those artisans and craftspeople who meet specific criteria:
- Occupation: The applicant must be engaged in one of the specified traditional trades in the unorganized sector on a self-employment basis.
- Age: The beneficiary must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
- Trade Engagement: The individual must be actively involved in their trade and should not have availed of loans under similar government schemes (e.g., PMEGP, PM SVANidhi) in the last five years.
- Family Limitation: Only one member per family (defined as husband, wife, and unmarried children) can benefit from the scheme.
- Exclusion of Government Employees: Individuals currently employed in government service, along with their family members, are not eligible.
For a detailed list of eligible trades and the application process, visit the PM Vishwakarma portal.
Key Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme offers a range of benefits aimed at improving the livelihoods of traditional artisans and craftspeople:
Financial Support:
- Credit Support: Artisans can avail of collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches (₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh) with a concessional interest rate of 5%. The first tranche is available after basic training, while the second tranche is available after completing advanced training or adopting digital transactions.
- Toolkit Incentive: A financial incentive of up to ₹15,000 is provided to purchase modern tools, enhancing the efficiency and quality of craftwork.
Skill Upgradation:
- Artisans receive basic training (5-7 days) and advanced training (15 days or more) with a daily stipend of ₹500. This training helps them improve their skills and adapt to modern techniques.
Marketing and Digital Support:
- The scheme encourages artisans to adopt digital transactions, providing an incentive of ₹1 per digital transaction for up to 100 transactions monthly.
- Marketing support includes assistance with quality certification, branding, and onboarding on e-commerce platforms like GeM.
Recognition:
- Beneficiaries receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, which formally recognizes their skills and contributions to India's cultural and economic heritage.
For more information on the benefits and how to apply, you can refer to the official guidelines.
How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The application process for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is straightforward and can be completed online:
- Registration: Visit the PM Vishwakarma portal and register using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication.
- Application: Fill out the application form with accurate details and upload the necessary documents, including Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank account details, and a passport-size photograph.
- Verification: Your application will be verified by local authorities, including the Gram Panchayat/ULB level, District Implementation Committee, and a Screening Committee.
- Approval: Upon successful verification, your application will be approved, and you will receive your PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, making you eligible to avail of the scheme’s benefits.
For a step-by-step guide on the application process, visit the PM Vishwakarma registration page.
Covered Trades Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, including:
- Carpenter (Suthar)
- Goldsmith (Sonar)
- Blacksmith (Lohar)
- Tailor (Darzi)
- Potter (Kumhaar)
- Weaver
- Basket Maker
These trades represent a significant portion of India’s traditional artisan community. For a full list of trades and their eligibility, refer to the official list of covered trades.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a significant step towards preserving India’s rich tradition of craftsmanship while integrating it into the modern economy. By providing financial support, skill development, and marketing assistance, the scheme ensures that traditional artisans not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive market.
FAQs
What is the maximum loan amount available under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
- Artisans can avail of collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches (₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
How can I apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
- You can apply through the PM Vishwakarma portal using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication.
What trades are covered under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
- The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, goldsmithing, tailoring, and pottery. See the full list.
Is there any age limit to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
- Yes, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.
What kind of training is provided under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
- Beneficiaries receive basic training (5-7 days) and advanced training (15 days or more) with a daily stipend of ₹500.
For more information, visit the official PM Vishwakarma website.