PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana

• Context (PIB): The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is an initiative to inform citizens about the Centre’s flagship schemes, including the PM Vishwakarma Scheme/ “PM VIKAS Yojana.”
• It is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the GoI.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).
• The Scheme will be jointly implemented by
  1. MoMSME
  2. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  3. Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, GOI.
• It is designed to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in various occupations like blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting

Objective

• Preserving and integrating cultural heritage into the formal economy and global value chains.
• Provide skill upgradation and make relevant and suitable training opportunities.
• Provide support for better and modern tools.
• Provide for brand promotion and market linkages.

Features

• Recognition: Artisans and craftspeople enrolled in the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an ID card.
• Financial assistance: They will also be eligible for collateral-free credit support at a concessional interest rate.
• Skill Development and Empowerment: It offers a daily stipend for skill training and a grant to purchase modern tools.
• Scope and Coverage: The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades across rural and urban areas.

Initiatives for the Upliftment of Artisans

• Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
• Mega Cluster Scheme
• National Handicraft Development Programme
• Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme
• Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts
• One District One Product
• Atmanirbhar Hastshilpkar Scheme.