Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to be congratulated for announcing Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana. It is a historic scheme which needs to be welcomed by everyone concerned with the plight of workers. Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana was announced by the Prime Minister in his address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2023, to mark “Independence Day”.
Objective of Workers-Friendly Scheme
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her 2023-2024 Budget speech
- The full name of PM Vishwakarma Yojana is PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana
- It is also known by other name i.e. “PM Vikas Yojana” or “PM Vishwakarma Scheme”
- On August 16, 2023, Union Cabinet gave its nod to implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana across the country
- The main objective behind launching PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana is to financially support artisans, craftsmen and small business owners and help them to grow their business by providing them capital support
- Government of India reserves the budget of Rs. 13,000 crores for the smooth implementation of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise is the nodal ministry of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- Loan up to Rs. 1,00,000 on interest of only five per cent will be provided to all eligible artisans and craftsmen for their businesses
- If they successfully pay back the loan amount then they again take a loan up to Rs. 2,00,000 on an interest rate of five per cent
- Apart from capital loan, skill training will also be provided to artisans and craftsmen under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- A stipend of Rs. 500 per day will be provided to trainees selected for training under Pradhanmantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana
- Financial Assistance of Rs 15,000 will also be provided to all craftspeople and artisans to purchase advance tool for their business
- Government of India will also provide PM Vishwakarma Certificate and Identity Card to beneficiaries for their easy identification
- 18 traditional trades have been identified by Government of India under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- 30 lakh families belonging to more than 164 backward classes are expected to be covered and are going to take benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Benefits of Scheme
- Loan up to Rs. 1,00,000 will be provided at five per cent interest rate in first phase
- Loan up to Rs. 2,00,000 will be provided at five per cent interest rate in second phase
- Skill training will also be provided
- Stipend of Rs 500 per day will be provided during the training period
- Rs 15,000 will be provided to buy Advance Tool Kit
- PM Vishwakarma Certificate and Identity Card would also be provided
- Tenure of first phase loan is 18 months
- Tenure of second phase loan is 30 months
- Incentive of Rs. one per digital transaction
Trades Eligible under PM Vishwakarma Yojana - Fishing Net Maker
- Tailor (Darzi)
- Washerman (Dhobi)
- Garland Maker (Malakaar)
- Barber (Nai)
- Doll and Toy Maker (Traditional)
- Basket/ Mat/ Broom Maker/ Coir Weaver
- Mason (Rajmistri)
- Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/ Footwear Artisan
- Sculptor (Moortikar, Stone Carver), Stone Breaker
- Potter (Kumhaar)
- Goldsmith (Sonar)
- Locksmith
- Hammer and Tool Kit Maker
- Blacksmith (Lohar)
- Armourer
- Boat Maker
- Carpenter (Suthar)
Role of BMS in Scheme
This scheme will prove to be a boon for workers engaged in craftsmanship. After Independence, this is a historic decision for the people associated with craftsmanship. With the approval of the Union Cabinet, a package of Rs 1,300 crores has also been allocated in this regard. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has welcomed this decision wholeheartedly. Many representations were presented to the Government of India by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in the past and several rounds of meetings and discussions were also held with the “Group of Ministers”, constituted by the Government of India, to solve the problems of the labour sector. Workers of 18 sectors will get the benefit of this scheme which includes blacksmith, goldsmith, cobbler, barber, washerman, tailor, potter, sculptor, carpenter, garland maker, mason, boat maker and armourer. It also includes lock maker, fishnet maker, hammer and tool kit makers, door mat and broom makers, doll and toy makers. In the past, people working in these sectors were neither recognised nor provided any social security.
Efficacious skill training
This scheme will provide confidence, recognition, and hope to these workers. The population of workers engaged in this sector is approximately 21 crores. They can produce quality products with their skills, experience, practical knowledge and with the help of this scheme they can now get a fair price for their products. Registration of one worker per family, stipend of Rs 500 per day during skill training, assistance of Rs 15000 for purchasing equipments, loan of Rs one lakh in the first phase at five per cent interest rate, and loan of Rs two lakh in the second phase. Without any guarantee/security, features of this scheme make it even more meaningful and effective. In our country, on September 17, Vishwakarma Jayanti is celebrated as “National Labour Day”. This scheme will be launched by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India on September 17 this year. This scheme will be given maximum publicity by organising “National Labour Day” programmes by karyakartas of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in many parts of the country. The 155th Working Committee of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, held on August 18, 19 and 20, 2023, in Chunar district of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, gave some suggestions for this Vishwakarma Scheme announced by Prime Minister, Government of India, and heartily congratulated and welcomed this scheme.
