What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Nidhi (PM Vishwakarma Yojana) is a central sector scheme launched by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17th, 2023. The objectives of this scheme are to provide social security and end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople belonging to the Vishwakarma community.
The scheme aims to upgrade the skills of artisans through training programs, provide financial assistance through loans and subsidies, ensure their health security through insurance coverage, and boost the marketing of their products. It covers artisans involved in 18 major trades such as carpentry, embroidery, tailoring, jewellery making, blacksmithing, pottery, etc.
Some of the key updates regarding the PM Vishwakarma Yojana are:
- It was launched pan-India covering all states and union territories.
- The scheme has an outlay of Rs 3,750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26.
- As of January 2024, over 5 lakh artisans have registered under the scheme.
- Artisans can apply online or through Common Service Centres in their locality.
- MoUs have been signed with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc for marketing of products.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Benefits
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana offers numerous benefits to enrolled artisans and craftsmen. Some of the key benefits are:
Financial Assistance
- Collateral-free loans up to Rs 3 lakhs – Artisans can avail of loans of up to Rs 3 lakhs without any collateral for business development and working capital needs. The rate of interest is concessional at only 5%.
- Toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000 – Those undergoing skill training are eligible for a toolkit incentive of up to Rs 15,000 to purchase any tools or equipment required for their trade. This is credited after the completion of basic training.
- Monthly stipend of Rs 500 – A stipend of Rs 500 per day of training is provided to trainees to meet daily expenses during the course duration.
- Subsidies – Various subsidies are offered for raw materials, technology adoption, product certification, etc. The maximum subsidy amount is Rs 5000.
Social Security
- PM Vishwakarma Insurance Cover – Accidental and life insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakhs each is provided. Premium is paid by the government.
- Health insurance – Artisans can avail of health cover of Rs 2 lakhs through Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
Skill Development & Training
- Basic and advanced training – 15 days of basic skill training is mandatory for all artisans under the scheme. Additionally, advanced modular courses of 45 days are also offered in specialised trades.
- Digital literacy – Digital literacy training is provided to artisans to promote cashless transactions and the adoption of digital technologies.
- Entrepreneurship development – Artisans are given orientation and basic management training on starting their business ventures, account maintenance, etc.
Marketing Support
- E-commerce platform integration – Artisans are onboarded on prominent e-commerce sites to directly market and sell their products.
- Quality certification – Products are certified by accredited agencies to validate their quality. This increases credibility and visibility.
- Exhibitions – Opportunities are provided to artisans to showcase and sell their products at state/national level exhibitions and trade fairs.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Loan Details
Under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, artisans can avail of collateral-free loans to meet their business requirements.
Following are the loan details:
- The maximum loan amount is Rs 3 lakhs which is released in two instalments.
- The first instalment of Rs 1 lakh
- The second instalment of Rs 2 lakhs after utilisation of the first instalment
- The rate of interest is fixed at only 5% per annum on reducing balance. This is highly subsidised compared to market rates.
- The loan is provided for a tenure of 5 years with flexible repayment options. No prepayment charges.
- To apply, artisans must submit their Aadhar, bank account details and address proof to the concerned branch. Nodal agencies will be the loan providers.
- The amount can be utilised for working capital needs, purchase of tools/equipment, raw materials, etc. Proper end-use monitoring is done.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Training Program
As part of the scheme, enrolled artisans are mandated to undergo 15 days of training to enhance their technical skills.
Following are the key training details:
- The training is offered through a network of various government and private institutions empanelled under the scheme.
- Two training modules are available – A basic module of 15 days and an Advanced module of 45 days for specialized skills.
- Artisans can opt for online or in-person classroom mode at their convenience.
- The training is accredited by the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to ensure standardised quality.
- Urban applicants can get accredited for training through online self-assessment while rural applicants are assessed by mobilisation counsellors.
- Entrepreneurship orientation is an important module covered in the training curriculum.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for enrolling under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria:
- Age between 18 to 45 years. Upper age can be relaxed for certain persons with disability.
- Should belong to a traditional Vishwakarma caste and be engaged in associated occupations. Proof of eligibility needs to be provided.
- Annual family income should not exceed Rs 3 lakhs per annum. The income certificate must be furnished as documentary evidence.
- Must furnish Aadhar, bank account details and address proof for identity and verification.
- Those who have availed loans under PMEGP in the past 3 years will not be eligible for credit under this scheme.
How to Apply Online?
Applying online for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is simple and can be done through the following steps:
Step 1) Go to official website https://www.pmvishwakarma.gov.in/
Step 2) Click on the ‘Apply Now’ link and select the relevant trade from the drop-down options.
Step 3) Enter the required personal and occupational details in the application form.
Step 4) Upload scanned documents – ID proof, income certificate, bank passbook, etc.
Step 5) Preview and submit the PM Vishwakarma Yojana application form after ensuring all details are correct.
Step 6) An application reference number will be generated which can be saved for future tracking of status.
Applicants must ensure all required documents are self-attested before uploading them on the portal for smooth processing and verification.
How to Check Application Status?
Candidates who have applied under the scheme can check their application status through the following methods:
- Via Registration Number – Enter your application registration number on the PM Vishwakarma Yojana portal to view the latest status.
- Via Aadhar Number – Checking status by entering your Aadhar number and captcha code on the portal.
- Via SMS – Send SMS in the format [space] to the toll-free number 14555. Application status will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
- Via CSC – Visit the nearest Common Service Centre with your acknowledgement slip to ascertain the latest status updates.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Subsidy Details
Along with loans, the scheme also offers various subsidies to benefit craftsmen. The main subsidy details are:
- Raw material subsidy – Eligible artisans can obtain raw materials like wood, metals, wool, etc at a 25% subsidy subject to a maximum limit of Rs 5000 per year.
- Diploma subsidy – One-time assistance of Rs 5000 towards fees for 1-year diploma courses in handicrafts and carpentry.
- Technology adoption subsidy – Subsidy of up to 75% or a maximum of Rs 5000 to adopt modern technology, tools, and equipment.
- Product certification subsidy – The cost of obtaining product quality certification is subsidised by 50% subject to a maximum limit of Rs 5000.
To claim subsidies, applicants have to apply in the prescribed format along with Aadhar and bank account details on the PM Vishwakarma Yojana portal. The amount is directly transferred to their bank accounts on verification.
Queries and Issues Faced by Applicants
Here are some common queries and issues faced by PM Vishwakarma Yojana applicants:
- Many artisans inquire about the availability of training programs in heritage crafts like Bidriware, Tanjore painting etc. and their eligibility.
- Some applicants face technical issues while filling out the online registration form and requesting application assistance.
- Due to complex documentation requirements, applicants often request for simplified process and additional financial assistance.
- Existing registered members also raise queries regarding the disbursement of loans, tracking status of claims, and utilization statements.
- Rural applicants with a lack of computer literacy need on-ground facilitation for enrollment and availing benefits.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Portal and Helpline
For any queries or assistance regarding the scheme, artisans can visit the official portal or utilise the following helpline services:
PM Vishwakarma Yojana Portal – https://www.pmvishwakarma.gov.in/
Toll-Free Helpline – 18001215470
Technical Helpline – 011-23781591
Grievance Redressal – 18001808550
The portal contains detailed information about the scheme guidelines, application process, training details, and beneficiary management system. Relevant notifications and updates are also available on the website.
FAQs on PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Q1. Who is eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
A1. Artisans aged 18-45 years belonging to Vishwakarma caste with annual income below Rs 3 lakhs are eligible.
Q2. What is the maximum loan amount under PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
A2. Eligible artisans can avail of collateral-free loans up to Rs 3 lakhs at 5% interest under the scheme.
Q3. How can one apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana online?
A3. Visit https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/ portal, register and submit documents to apply before the deadline.
Q4. What are the benefits apart from loans?
A4. It offers subsidies, training, toolkit incentives, pensions, scholarships, health insurance and marketing support.
Q5. How to check PM Vishwakarma Yojana’s application status?
A5. Application status can be checked via registration number, Aadhaar or SMS to 14555.
Q6. What is the stipend amount for training programs?
A6. A stipend of Rs 500 per day of training is provided to the registered trainees.
Q7. How can one get a raw material subsidy under the scheme?
A7. Apply on the portal in the prescribed format with Aadhar and bank details to obtain a 25% raw material subsidy.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana aims to provide social and economic empowerment to traditional artisans and craftsmen. By offering financial assistance, training, marketing support and social security benefits, the scheme attempts to upgrade their skills for sustaining livelihoods. Eligible artisans can avail loans, subsidies, insurance coverage and several other benefits by registering under the scheme. With an online application facility and monitoring systems, the scheme aims to reach the remotest corners of the country and upgrade indigenous crafts at the grassroots.
Note: If you want to know more about PM Vishwakarma and its Guidelines then Please download the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
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