PM Vishwakarma scheme: Centre’s ‘Guru-Shishya’ tradition-focused initiative to cover 18 trades initially

The Union Cabinet recently cleared the PM Vishwakarma scheme with a budget of Rs 13,000 crore for the next five years. The scheme is aimed at supporting the traditional artisans and craftsmen while encouraging more people to take up these traditional vocations.

The scheme will be relying on the Guru-Shishya parampara, the mentor-apprentice tradition, as well as traditional family trade practices to further spread trades and artisan skills in rural and urban areas across India.

The scheme was earlier announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day. "The government will launch the Vishwakarma Scheme with an allocation of Rs 13,000 to 15,000 crore in the next month for those with traditional skills," PM Modi said during his speech.

The government hopes to increase the quality of these traditionally crafted products and also increase the reach of these artefacts. Additional support will be given to artisans and craftsmen to ensure greater integration with both the domestic and global value chains.

Which trades are covered under the Vishwakarma scheme?

A total of 18 trades will be included in the first instance of the PM Vishwakarma scheme with possibly more trades being added in future instances of the scheme. The 18 trades cover traditional skilled trades and artisanal work. These include:

1.      Carpenter

2.      Boat Maker

3.      Armourer

4.      Blacksmith

5.      Hammer and Tool Kit Maker

6.      Locksmith

7.      Goldsmith

8.      Potter

9.      Sculptor/Stone breaker

10.   Cobbler)/Shoesmith/Footwear artisan

11.   Mason

12.   Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver

13.   Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional)

14.   Barber

15.   Garland maker

16.   Washerman

17.   Tailor

18.   Fishing Net Maker.

Key benefits under Vishwakarma Scheme

Under the scheme artisans and craftspeople will first be recognised by the government and then issued PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID cards. Using the recognition, the individuals under the scheme will be able to avail benefits like subsidised loans of up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche. These loans will be given out at a concessional interest rate of just 5 per cent.

The government will also be providing these recognised artisans and craftsmen with additional support. This support will be in the form of skill upgradation opportunities, toolkit incentives, digital transaction as well as marketing support among others.