The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) , launched by the Government of India on June 25, 2015, is a flagship housing initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to both urban and rural populations. The program is divided into two main components: PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) and PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) . The overall goal of PMAY is to ensure that every citizen in India has access to a pucca (permanent) house by March 2022. With a target of constructing 2 crore (20 million) homes, the scheme addresses the housing needs of low and middle-income groups. Key Features of PMAY Feature Details Credit-Linked Subsidy Interest subsidy on housing loans for various income groups: - EWS : 6.5% interest subsidy - LIG : 6.5% interest subsidy - MIG-I : 4% interest subsidy - MIG-II : 3% interest subsidy Loan Tenure Up to 20 years for all income groups. Income Groups ...
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, is a social welfare initiative aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. Recognizing their contributions to the country's cultural heritage and economy, the scheme provides financial, skill development, and marketing support to help them thrive in a competitive market.
Key Objectives and Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers a wide range of benefits to artisans, aimed at boosting their skills, modernizing their trades, and improving their financial standing. Below are the main objectives and key benefits of the scheme:
| Objective | Details |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Artisans are recognized as "Vishwakarmas" and receive certificates and ID cards. |
| Skill Enhancement | Training programs (basic: 5-7 days; advanced: 15 days or more) with a stipend of ₹500/day. |
| Financial Support | Collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakhs, disbursed in two tranches (₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakhs) at 5% interest. |
| Toolkit Assistance | Artisans receive a toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000 to purchase modern tools. |
| Digital Empowerment | Incentives for digital transactions (₹1 per eligible transaction, up to 100 transactions/month). |
| Marketing Support | Marketing assistance, including branding, e-commerce access, and quality certification. |
Eligible Trades Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme supports artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades. These trades include:
| Trade | Description |
|---|---|
| Carpentry | Traditional woodworkers creating furniture and other items. |
| Boat Making | Skilled boat builders and repairers. |
| Blacksmithing | Artisans working with metal to forge tools and products. |
| Goldsmithing | Craftsmen creating and repairing gold jewelry. |
| Pottery | Clay and ceramic artisans producing traditional pottery. |
| Tailoring | Dressmakers and tailors crafting custom clothing. |
| Masonry | Skilled laborers in bricklaying and stonework. |
| Other Crafts | Various other traditional crafts such as stone carving. |
Financial Assistance and Toolkit Support
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana provides significant financial support to artisans, helping them purchase tools, expand their businesses, and modernize their trades. Below is a breakdown of the financial aid available under the scheme:
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Support | Up to ₹3 lakhs, disbursed in two phases (₹1 lakh + ₹2 lakhs) at 5% interest. |
| Toolkit Assistance | ₹15,000 as an incentive for tool purchase, provided in the form of e-vouchers. |
| Stipend During Training | ₹500 per day during skill development training sessions. |
| Digital Transaction Incentives | ₹1 per digital transaction (up to 100 transactions/month). |
Application Process for PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Artisans interested in applying for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana can follow the steps outlined below:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the PM Vishwakarma official website: pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
- Registration:
- Click on "Login" and select "CSC - Register Artisans."
- Answer the provided questions, verify your Aadhaar-linked mobile number via OTP, and proceed with registration.
- Biometric Verification: Complete the biometric verification at your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
- Fill Out the Application: Submit your details through the online application form and save your application number for future reference.
- Verification Stages: The application goes through a multi-step verification process at the Gram Panchayat, District Implementation Committee, and Screening Committee levels.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Vishwakarma Yojana
To ensure that the scheme benefits those who need it most, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has set the following eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Applicants must be 18 years or older. |
| Engagement in Traditional Trades | Must be involved in family-based traditional trades in the informal sector. |
| Loan History | Not eligible if loans have been taken under similar schemes in the past 5 years. |
| Government Employee Exclusion | Government employees and their families are not eligible. |
| Household Limit | Only one member per household can benefit from the scheme. |
Documents Required for Application
To apply for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter Identity Card
- Proof of Occupation (such as certificates or a letter from a recognized artisan group)
- Mobile Number
- Bank Account Details
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a transformative initiative by the Indian government aimed at empowering traditional artisans and craftspeople. By providing financial assistance, skill enhancement, and market linkage support, the scheme ensures that artisans can preserve their heritage trades while adapting to modern market demands. With access to credit, digital tools, and marketing platforms, the program sets the stage for sustainable growth and economic empowerment.