Cabinet Approves Scheme for Traditional Artisans & Craftspeople

On August 16, 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme with an allocation of Rs.13,000 Cr. for a period of five years, up to FY 2027–28. The scheme would offer skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, incentives for digital transactions and marketing support to the artisans and craftspeople.

As per the press release, the initiative intends to support and preserve the “Guru-Shishya parampara” or the family-centred practice of traditional skills by craftsmen who work with their hands and tools. It further seeks to increase the value and accessibility of the goods and services provided by artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that the Vishwakarmas are included in both local and international value chains.

The scheme will cover 18 traditional trades in the first instance, including those of carpenters, boat builders, armourers, blacksmiths, makers of hammers and tool kits, locksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors, stone breakers, cobblers, masons, basket, mat, and broom makers or coir weavers, traditional doll and toy makers, barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors, and fishing net makers. The PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, as well as credit support up to 1 lakh (first tranche) and 2 lakhs (second tranche) at a reduced interest rate of 5%, would be provided to the artisans and craftspeople.