PM Modi launches Vishwakarma Scheme

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is PM Vishwakarma scheme?
• What was the need of PM Vishwakarma scheme?

Why in news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme in New Delhi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.
  • Vishwakarma, in Hindu mythology, is seen as the architect of the gods and was the divine carpenter and master craftsman.
• The scheme will provide government support to workers engaged in traditional crafts and skills.

What is PM Vishwakarma scheme?

• Background
  • This scheme was first announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech.
  • The scheme is also being seen as a means for the government to reach out to the economically marginalised and socially backward communities – particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBC) groups.
• About
  • It is a new scheme with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore and is fully funded by the Central government.
  • It aims to provide subsidised loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to traditional artisans and craftsmen including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers.
  • The scheme also aims at improving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftsmen.
  • This scheme will ensure that Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.
• Nodal Ministry
  • Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) is the nodal ministry.
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, would provide active support for implementation of the scheme for the wellbeing of the Vishwakarmas.
• Eligibility& coverage
  • It is available for rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India.
  • However, a detailed list was produced to clarify the beneficiary under the scheme.
  • This list included 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc.
  • Five lakh families will be covered in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.
• Benefits under the scheme
  • The Vishwakarma workers will be registered for free through Common Services Centres (CSC) using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.
  • They will then be provided recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
  • They will be given:
    • skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training,
    • a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000,
    • collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%,
    • incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.
  • A toolkit booklet has also been released in 12 Indian languages, with accompanying video elements.
    • This will aid the knowledge of workers on new technologies in their field.
  • Skilling programme will take place at both basic and advanced types.
  • Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day while undergoing training.

What was the need of PM Vishwakarma scheme?

• The professionals engaged in traditional crafts and skills for centuries are often taught by elders in the family and have faced certain problems.
• These include a lack of professional training for their work, of modern tools, the issue of distance from the markets relevant to them and the availability of little capital for investment.

Q1) What are traditional crafts?

Traditional crafts are items made using traditional methods. They can be as simple as a basket or as complex as fine woven silk. Traditional crafts often have cultural and/or religious significance.

Q2) Why are traditional crafts important in India?

Traditional crafts of India provide the basis of Indian culture that not only has gained worldwide recognition but is also one of the reasons tourists flock to the country. These Indian handicrafts are a glimpse into the history and culture of every region of the country.

Source: What is the Vishwakarma scheme, launched for those engaged in traditional crafts and skills | PIB | ZeeNews