Empowering Traditional Crafts with the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Supporting Traditional Skills and Craftsmanship

To empower and uplift traditional craftspeople and artisans, the Indian government has launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme. This initiative, with a substantial budget of ₹13,000 crore, received official approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this scheme during his Independence Day speech, highlighting its aim to preserve the Guru-Shishya parampara while enhancing traditional skills.

The primary goal of the scheme is to provide credit support at a concessional interest rate of 5%, along with skill enhancement and toolkit incentives for skilled craftsmen and women.

Key Highlights of the Vishwakarma Scheme:

• Tradition and Skills Reinforced: The scheme aims to strengthen the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara and promote skills that have been passed down through generations.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It covers 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, and pottery, benefiting a diverse group of artisans.
• Empowerment through Support: Artisans will receive credit support of up to ₹2 lakh at a low-interest rate of 5%, enhancing their business potential and creativity.
• Skill Enhancement: The scheme offers basic and advanced skilling programs, with a stipend of ₹500 per day during training. Beneficiaries will also receive assistance for acquiring modern tools, fostering skill improvement.
• Scope for Growth: The PM Vishwakarma scheme aims to cover 5 lakh families in its first year and a total of 30 lakh families over five years.
• Digital Integration: The initiative not only emphasizes traditional craftsmanship but also encourages artisans to engage with digital transactions and marketing support.
• Honoring Traditions: The scheme acknowledges and empowers artisans from the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community, including weavers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and barbers.

This initiative reflects the government's commitment to preserving India's rich cultural heritage while providing modern support to its traditional craftsmen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
Answer: The PM Vishwakarma scheme is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at uplifting traditional artisans through credit support, skill enhancement, and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Q2. How much credit support does the PM Vishwakarma scheme provide?
Answer: The scheme offers credit support of up to ₹2 lakh at a low-interest rate of 5% to empower artisans and boost their businesses.

Q3. Which traditional trades are covered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
Answer: The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, and other crafts, benefiting a wide range of artisans.

Q4. Is there any stipend provided for skill training?
Answer: Yes, beneficiaries receive a stipend of ₹500 per day during their training in the skill enhancement programs offered under the scheme.

Q5. How many families will benefit from the PM Vishwakarma scheme in its first year?
Answer: The scheme aims to cover 5 lakh families in its inaugural year, with a target of reaching 30 lakh families over five years.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
A) Digital marketing
B) Uplifting traditional artisans
C) Increasing exports
D) Urban development
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How much credit support can artisans receive under the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
A) ₹1 lakh
B) ₹2 lakh
C) ₹5 lakh
D) ₹10 lakh
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which community is specifically mentioned in the PM Vishwakarma scheme for support?
A) Scheduled Tribes
B) General Category
C) Other Backward Classes
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is the stipend amount provided during training in the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
A) ₹250
B) ₹500
C) ₹750
D) ₹1000
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is the interest rate for the credit support offered in the PM Vishwakarma scheme?
A) 3%
B) 4%
C) 5%
D) 6%
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: How many traditional trades does the PM Vishwakarma scheme cover?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 18
D) 20
Correct Answer: C

Question 7: In which year was the PM Vishwakarma scheme launched?
A) 2020
B) 2021
C) 2022
D) 2023
Correct Answer: D