PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Why in news?

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India has launched the 'Pradhan Mantri (PM) Vishwakarma Scheme' on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.

About PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

• The scheme is designed to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in various occupations like blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage and integrating them into the formal economy and global value chains.
• It will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India.
• Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is the Nodal Ministry for the Scheme.
  • The Scheme will be jointly implemented by the MoMSME, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

Features:

• Artisans and craftspeople enrolled in the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card.
• They will also be eligible for collateral-free credit support of up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
• The Scheme has been allocated a budget ranging from Rs 13,000 crore for five financial years from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.
• The scheme offers a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training per day and Rs 15,000 grant for the purchase of modern tools.
• The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades across both rural and urban areas.
  • These trades encompass carpenters, boat-makers, blacksmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, tailors, and more.
• Registration for the Vishwakarma Yojana can be completed at common services centers in villages.
• While the central government will provide funding for the scheme, state governments' support will also be sought.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

‘Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme’, the scheme is designed to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople, is launched under:

(a) Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

(b) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

(c) Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

(d) Minister of Finance

Answer