Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana: Prime Minister Launches Rs 13,000 Crore Scheme Poised To Benefit Traditional Artisans, Craftsmen

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the central sector Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma scheme at New Delhi on Sunday (17 September).

On the same day, events are also being organised at about 70 locations in different parts of the country to spread wider awareness among potential beneficiaries.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala attended these prestigious national-level events organised by Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in Mangalore, Karnataka, as the chief guest.

In his address, Rupala expressed happiness to share benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme launched by Prime Minister Modi.

He also highlighted that the scheme will help all traditional artisans and craftsmen in all the sectors, especially in fisheries sector.

The Union Minister emphasised that both boat makers and fish-net makers will reap the rewards of this scheme.

With a total outlay of Rs 13,000 crore, this initiative is poised to create significant income-generating opportunities for fishermen and their families.

Rupala underscored that this marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time in our nation's history that a substantial financial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore has been allocated for the upliftment of artisans and crafts persons across the country, encompassing 18 traditional trades in its inaugural phase.

Credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche), with concession interest rate of 5 per cent, aims to empower traditional artisans and craftsmen financially.

The event was attended by more than 1,200 people including fishers, fish farmers, fishing net makers and boat makers, micro, small and medium enterprisers.

The Indian economy encompasses numerous artisans and craftsmen who employ their skilled hands and traditional tools, specialising in various occupations, including blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, sculpture, and more.

These skills or occupations are passed on from generation-to-generation, both within the families and other informal groups of artisans and craftspeople.

These traditional artisans and craftsmen are referred to as 'Vishwakarmas'. They are usually self-employed and are largely considered to be a part of the unorganised sector of the economy.

On 16 August 2023, the Union Cabinet of India gave its nod to implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana throughout India for end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftsmen or 'Vishwakarmas' to grow their business.

Provisions have been made under the scheme for training, technology, credit and market support to give impetus to the beneficiaries' endeavour.

In the fisheries sector, fishing-net makers and boat makers are the potential beneficiaries of this scheme.

India's fisheries sector is on a trajectory of progress through multi-dimensional interventions rolled out meticulously, and the new scheme is expected to give impetus to the sunrise sector.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is efficiently working towards reaching out to potential stakeholders and efficient implementation of the scheme.