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Learn about the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and its eligibility criteria. Discover how artisans and craftspeople in traditional trades can register for benefits under this program, enhancing self-employment opportunities. Understand the age requirement, trade engagement conditions, and family eligibility for this government initiative.
The objectives of the scheme are as follows:
1. Recognition: Ensure that artisans and craftspeople are acknowledged as Vishwakarmas, allowing them to access all Scheme benefits.
2. Skill Enhancement: Offer skill upgrading opportunities, providing relevant and suitable training to improve their capabilities.
3. Tool Improvement Support: Provide assistance for acquiring better and modern tools, thereby boosting their proficiency, productivity, and the quality of their products and services.
4. Credit Accessibility: Facilitate easy access to collateral-free credit and reduce credit costs through interest subvention.
5. Digital Transactions Incentives: Encourage digital empowerment of Vishwakarmas by providing incentives for engaging in digital transactions.
6. Market Linkages and Brand Promotion: Establish a platform for brand promotion and market connections, assisting artisans and craftspeople in accessing new growth opportunities.
Benefits under PM Vishwakarma
PM Vishwakarma is a comprehensive initiative aimed at offering comprehensive assistance to artisans and craftspeople. The program encompasses various elements including:
a. Acknowledgment: Provision of PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card
b. Enhancement of Skills
c. Toolkit Incentive
d. Financial Backing
e. Rewards for Digital Transactions
f. Assistance in Marketing Efforts
PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID
Card
Artisans and craftspeople will be granted both the PM Vishwakarma Certificate and the PM Vishwakarma ID Card. A distinct digital identification number will be generated and displayed on both the certificate and the ID Card. This certificate will validate the individual’s status as a Vishwakarma and grant eligibility to access all Scheme benefits. Beneficiaries will receive the PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card in both digital and physical formats.
PM Vishwakarma Skill Upgradation
The PM Vishwakarma initiative focuses on enhancing the skills of traditional artisans and craftspeople who have honed their craft using traditional tools over generations. This effort involves three main aspects: evaluating existing skills, providing fundamental training, and offering advanced training. Skill enhancement will involve incorporating modern tools, design concepts, and integration with the industry’s value chain as essential aspects of specialized training. Additionally, alongside honing domain-specific skills, the training will cover elements enabling artisans to utilize toolkits, receive marketing assistance, establish or expand their businesses through credit support, and reap the benefits of digital transactions.
PM Vishwakarma Toolkit Incentive
The beneficiaries will receive a toolkit incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 following their Skill Assessment at the commencement of Basic Training. This incentive will be given to them through e-RUPI/e-vouchers, which can then be used at specific centers to acquire better toolkits.
In addition, Vishwakarmas will be provided with a digital guide and short video tutorials. These resources are meant to acquaint them with and empower them in the adept handling of modern tools within their respective trades. These improved toolkits will empower Vishwakarmas to improve the quality and output of their work, ultimately leading to increased productivity and greater value in their crafted products.
PM Vishwakarma Registration Process
Application for Enrollment
1.1 MoMSME, in collaboration with CSCs (Common Service Centres), will oversee the enrollment of beneficiary families. Additionally, a PM Vishwakarma portal, authenticated through Aadhaar, will serve as the facilitator for this process, supported by a PM Vishwakarma mobile app to streamline Scheme operations.
1.2 The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) manages the National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) on the e-Shram portal, which is linked to the National Classification of Occupations (NCO). This e-Shram database will primarily identify potential beneficiaries falling within the trade categories covered by PM Vishwakarma. Artisan and craftspeople families meeting the criteria will be identified and encouraged to register under the Scheme.
1.3 In addition to the above, any eligible person not included in the e-Shram database can also enroll in the Scheme by submitting an online application through CSCs or directly via the PM Vishwakarma Portal.
1.4 Beneficiary enrollment will be conducted through CSCs under MeitY at the Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body levels or via online applications through the portal. This process will record details of eligible artisan and craftspeople families, including pertinent information such as bank account details and loan purposes and amounts. Eligible beneficiaries are required to register through their nearest CSC.
The following documents or information are necessary for registration:
Aadhaar
Mobile number
Bank details
Ration card (if available)
In case of no ration card, Aadhaar numbers of all family members should be provided.
Additional documents or information may be required, as prescribed.
1.5 Enrollment under PM Vishwakarma is free of charge. The government will cover the entire cost of enrollment through CSCs, registration, and issuance of certificates/ID cards under the Scheme.
1.6 The Registration Process will follow these steps:
Enrollment will occur through Common Service Centres (CSCs) or open online applications via the Aadhaar-based biometric authenticated PM Vishwakarma portal. The portal will integrate with various government portals, including Skill India Digital through API, and offer a multi-lingual helpline to ensure information dissemination across the country without language barriers.
Beneficiaries can apply directly or with the assistance of CSCs through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) or Enumerators.
CSCs will offer support to beneficiaries in assessing their needs and selecting benefits available under the Scheme. Beneficiaries will be informed about the Skill Upgradation component during the application process.
If a beneficiary lacks a bank account, CSCs will provide assistance in opening one. The beneficiary should provide Aadhaar-seeded bank account details during registration, which will serve as the preferred account for receiving monetary benefits.
Aadhaar authentication through biometrics by CSCs will be mandatory at every stage of Scheme intervention.
The portal will provide a link for registration on the Udyam Assist Portal, the registration portal for Informal Micro Enterprises without PAN. Those with PAN who wish to register on the Udyam Registration Portal for MSMEs will do so.
Beneficiaries will be encouraged to join the GeM Portal, and the Scheme will be widely promoted on GeM Portal to facilitate Vishwakarmas’ access to the market, making their products available for public procurement.
Application submission and approval will involve a three-step verification process, leading to registration under PM Vishwakarma.
1.7 All registrations under PM Vishwakarma will be Aadhaar-based and authenticated through biometrics. Beneficiaries will receive notifications about incentive disbursements via SMS.
PM Vishwakarma Verification and Approval
2.1 Stage 1: Verification at Gram Panchayat or ULB level
The initial screening for artisans and craftspeople registered under PM Vishwakarma will be conducted by the head of the Gram Panchayat, Village Council Chairman, or Executive Head/Administrator of the Urban Local Body. The Head of the Gram Panchayat may involve the services of Gram Sevak/Panchayat Secretary for screening and verifying beneficiary details. The Head of the Gram Panchayat or Executive Head of ULB will ensure that the beneficiary has traditionally been engaged in the trade on a self-employment basis. Verification will include checking family details provided by the beneficiary to ensure that only one eligible person per family is covered.
2.2 Stage 2: Vetting and Recommendation by the District Implementation Committee
The verified registration details will be forwarded online by the Head of Gram Panchayat or Executive Head to the District Implementation Committee. This committee will conduct the second round of verification, ensuring proper vetting and recommending beneficiary applications.
2.3 Stage 3: Approval by the Screening Committee
The final approval for beneficiary registration will be granted by the Screening Committee following a thorough review and consideration of recommendations made by the District Implementation Committee. The Screening Committee, chaired by a field formation officer of the Office of DC-MSME, will include members such as the State Lead Bank Manager and representatives of MSDE in each State/UT, overseeing the registration process.
The terms of reference for the Screening Committee include:
Ensuring timely and efficient enrollment and verification processes.
Identifying and implementing remedial measures if necessary to enhance Scheme implementation.
Approving beneficiary registrations under PM Vishwakarma after confirming their eligibility.
PM Vishwakarma Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for registration under PM Vishwakarma, an individual involved in a family-based traditional trade within the unorganized or informal sector, utilizing hands and tools in their craft, must meet the following criteria:
(i) The beneficiary must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
(ii) The beneficiary must be actively engaged in the specified trades at the time of registration and should not have utilized loans from similar credit-based schemes provided by the Central or State Governments for self-employment or business development, such as PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, MUDRA, within the last 5 years. However, those beneficiaries who have fully repaid their loans obtained through MUDRA and SVANidhi will still be eligible under PM Vishwakarma. The 5-year period is calculated from the date of loan approval.
(iii) Registration and benefits under the Scheme are limited to one member per family. For the purpose of this Scheme, a ‘family’ comprises the husband, wife, and unmarried children.
(iv) Individuals currently employed in a government position and their family members are not eligible to participate in this Scheme.
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