PM Vishwakarma Scheme: How to Apply, Eligibility, Trades Cover, Benefits

In the bustling markets and quiet villages of India, a timeless legacy is kept alive by the hands of millions. The potter shaping clay on a spinning wheel, the weaver creating intricate patterns on a loom, and the blacksmith forging iron into tools of purpose are not just workers; they are the custodians of India’s priceless cultural heritage. For centuries, these traditional artisans and craftspeople, our ‘Vishwakarmas‘, have been the backbone of local economies and the keepers of skills passed down through generations. However, in the face of rapid industrialization and changing markets, many of these artisans have struggled to sustain their livelihoods, their invaluable skills at risk of fading away.

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Recognising this urgent need for support, the Government of India launched a landmark initiative to honour and empower these skilled hands. The Pradhan Mantri (PM) Vishwakarma Scheme is a comprehensive Central Sector Scheme, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, coinciding with Vishwakarma Jayanti. It is designed to provide complete, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, helping them not only to survive but to thrive in the modern economy.

With a massive financial commitment of ₹13,000 crore, the scheme is set to run for five years, from the financial year 2023-24 to 2027-28. Its mission is to uplift and integrate these artisans into the formal economy, transforming them from informal labourers into recognised and self-reliant entrepreneurs. This article serves as a complete guide, breaking down every aspect of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in simple, easy-to-understand language for every Indian.

The Vision – Why PM Vishwakarma is a Game-Changer.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is more than just a financial aid program; it is a visionary effort to reshape India’s artisanal landscape. Its objectives are deeply rooted in preserving our cultural identity while fostering economic growth from the grassroots up.

Preserving a Precious Legacy.

At the heart of the scheme lies the goal of strengthening the ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’—the age-old tradition of passing skills from a master to an apprentice, often within a family. This system has been the lifeblood of Indian craftsmanship for centuries, ensuring that unique techniques, designs, and knowledge are not lost to time. The scheme recognises that these traditional methods are often inherently sustainable and eco-friendly, utilising local materials and creating products of lasting value. By supporting these artisans, the government aims to ensure that this invaluable cultural and intellectual heritage continues to enrich future generations.

From Unorganised to Organised.

A vast majority of India’s artisans operate in the unorganised or informal sector. This has historically meant a lack of access to formal banking, credit facilities, social security, and larger markets. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to fundamentally change this by integrating artisans into the formal Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem.

This transition is not merely a bureaucratic step. It signifies a profound shift in how artisans are perceived and supported. By providing them with a formal identity, the scheme empowers them to access collateral-free loans from banks, build a credible financial history, and connect with national and global value chains. They are no longer just informal workers but are recognised as legitimate entrepreneurs, capable of scaling their businesses and contributing significantly to the national economy.

The Three Pillars of Empowerment: Samman, Samarthya, Samriddhi

The scheme’s vision is built on three core principles that translate into tangible support for the artisans:

1. Samman (Recognition and Respect): The first step is to provide artisans with a formal identity. Through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID card, the scheme accords them the respect and recognition their skills deserve, making them eligible for all the benefits.
2. Samarthya (Capability and Skill): The scheme is committed to enhancing the capabilities of the artisans. This is achieved through structured skill upgradation programs and providing them with financial support to acquire modern, efficient tools, thereby improving their productivity and the quality of their products.
3. Samriddhi (Prosperity and Growth): The ultimate goal is to ensure the prosperity of the Vishwakarmas. The scheme facilitates this by providing easy access to affordable, collateral-free credit, incentivising digital transactions, and offering robust marketing support to help them expand their businesses and find new markets for their products.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the artisan community. The struggles with lack of affordable credit, limited market access, and the inability to invest in modern tools are precisely the barriers the scheme is designed to dismantle. By systematically addressing each of these issues—offering collateral-free loans, providing marketing linkages, and facilitating skill training—the PM Vishwakarma scheme stands out as a highly targeted and strategic intervention, aimed at creating a self-reliant and competitive artisan workforce.

Are You Eligible? Who Can Become a ‘Vishwakarma’.

The scheme has been designed to be inclusive, but it has specific criteria to ensure that the benefits reach the intended artisans and craftspeople. Here is a simple checklist to help you determine your eligibility.

The Fundamental Criteria.

An individual must meet the following conditions to be eligible for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old on the day you register for the scheme.
• Occupation: You must be an artisan or craftsperson who works with your hands and tools, engaged in one of the 18 family-based traditional trades covered by the scheme.
• Employment Status: You should be self-employed and working in the unorganised sector. This scheme is not for those in formal salaried employment.
• Loan History: You should not have taken a loan under similar government self-employment schemes in the last 5 years. These schemes include the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM SVANidhi, and the MUDRA scheme.
  • Important Note: There is a crucial exception. If you have taken a loan under the MUDRA or PM SVANidhi schemes and have fully repaid it, you are still eligible to apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

Who Cannot Apply (Key Exclusions).

To ensure fair distribution of benefits, the scheme has a few important restrictions:

• One Member Per Family: The benefits of the scheme are limited to only one member of a family. The scheme defines a ‘family’ as consisting of the husband, wife, and their unmarried children.
• Government Employees: Individuals who are in government service (either Central or State) and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children) are not eligible to apply for this scheme.

The 18 Traditional Trades Covered by PM Vishwakarma.

The scheme initially covers 18 distinct traditional trades. If your craft is on this list, you are eligible to apply.

A Complete Support System – The Six Pillars of PM Vishwakarma Benefits.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is designed as a holistic support system that addresses every critical need of an artisan. It rests on six powerful pillars, each providing a specific and vital benefit.

1. Recognition: Your New Identity as a Vishwakarma.

The first and most fundamental benefit is formal recognition. Upon successful registration, every beneficiary is honoured with a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and a unique, photo-based ID Card. This is far more than a symbolic gesture. This official recognition serves as proof of their skills and formally integrates them into the national MSME database. This identity can significantly boost their credibility with customers, help in securing business opportunities, and is the key that unlocks all other benefits of the scheme.

2. Skill Upgradation: Learning to Earn More.

The scheme places a strong emphasis on enhancing the skills of the artisans to help them keep pace with modern demands. The skilling component is divided into two stages:

• Basic Training: This is a mandatory program of 5 to 7 days, totalling 40 hours of training. It focuses on upgrading the artisan’s existing skills in their trade, introducing them to modern tools and techniques, and providing knowledge on digital literacy and basic business management.
• Advanced Training: For artisans who wish to further deepen their expertise, there is an optional advanced training program of 15 days or more (120 hours). This training delves into more specialized techniques and business development strategies.

To ensure that artisans do not lose their daily income while attending these training sessions, the scheme provides a training stipend of ₹500 per day for the duration of both Basic and Advanced training.

3. Toolkit Incentive: The Right Tools for the Job.

An artisan is only as good as their tools. Recognising that many traditional craftspeople use outdated or inefficient equipment, the scheme provides a crucial toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000. This financial support is provided at the beginning of the Basic Skill Training. To ensure the money is used for its intended purpose, it is not given as cash. Instead, beneficiaries receive an e-voucher which they can redeem at designated centres to purchase modern, high-quality tools and equipment suited to their trade. This helps improve their efficiency, the quality of their products, and their overall productivity.

4. Credit Support: Fueling Your Business Growth.

Access to affordable credit is one of the biggest hurdles for artisans in the unorganised sector. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme directly addresses this by providing collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to ₹3 lakh. This support is provided in two stages, or tranches, to encourage responsible financial management and business growth.

The most remarkable feature of this credit support is the highly concessional interest rate. The artisan is required to pay an interest of only 5%. The Government of India provides an interest subvention of up to 8%, paying the difference directly to the lending bank. This drastically reduces the cost of borrowing and makes it feasible for artisans to invest in raw materials, expand their workspace, or scale up their operations without being burdened by high-interest debt.

5. Digital Empowerment: Joining the Digital Economy.

In today’s world, digital literacy is essential for business growth. The scheme actively encourages artisans to embrace digital payments. To promote this, it offers an incentive of ₹1 for every digital transaction (such as receiving payments via UPI QR code), for a maximum of 100 transactions per month. This incentive, credited directly to their bank account, not only provides a small financial boost but also helps artisans build a digital footprint, which can be crucial for accessing future financial services and reaching a wider customer base.

6. Marketing Support: From Local to Global.

Creating a beautiful product is only half the battle; selling it is the other half. The scheme provides comprehensive marketing support to help artisans connect with larger markets. This is not just a vague promise but includes a range of concrete interventions:

• Quality Certification and Branding: Assistance in getting quality certifications for their products and developing a unique brand identity.
• E-commerce Onboarding: Help in listing their products on major e-commerce platforms, including the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), as well as private platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
• Exhibitions and Trade Fairs: Support to participate in local, national, and even international trade fairs, providing them with a platform to showcase their work to a wide audience.
• Advertising and Publicity: The scheme also provides support for advertising and other promotional activities to improve their visibility and connect them to the broader value chain.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

The application process for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has been designed to be accessible, with support available at every stage. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 0: Getting Your Documents Ready.

Before you begin the application process, it is essential to have all the necessary documents and information ready. This will make the registration smooth and quick. Here is a checklist of what you will need:

• Aadhaar Card: This is the most important document for identity verification.
• Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhaar card, as you will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
• Bank Account Details: You will need your bank account number and IFSC code. If you do not have a bank account, the Common Service Centre (CSC) will assist you in opening one.
• Ration Card: This is required to verify your family details.
• Aadhaar Cards of Family Members: If you do not have a Ration Card, you will need to provide the Aadhaar card numbers of all your family members (spouse and unmarried children).
• Proof of Occupation: While not always mandatory, any document or proof of your work as an artisan can be helpful.
• Caste Certificate: This is required only if you belong to a specific category and wish to declare it.

Step 1: The Registration Process.

The registration for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is done online through the official portal, and it is completely free of charge. The easiest way for an artisan to register is by visiting their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), where an operator will guide them through the entire process.

Here is what the registration process at a CSC looks like:

1. Visit Your Nearest CSC: Locate the CSC in your village or town. These centres are equipped to handle online government services.
2. Aadhaar e-KYC: You will need to complete your e-KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This involves biometric verification, where you will be asked to provide your fingerprint to authenticate your Aadhaar details.
3. Fill the Artisan Registration Form: The CSC operator will log in to the PM Vishwakarma portal and fill out the online registration form with your personal details, bank information, and details about your trade.
4. Submit the Application: Once all the details are filled in and verified by you, the operator will submit the form.
5. Receive Your Application ID: Upon successful submission, you will receive an application ID number. It is very important to keep this number safe, as you will need it to track the status of your application.

Step 2: The Three-Tier Verification Journey.

To ensure that the scheme’s benefits are delivered to genuine artisans, every application goes through a robust, three-stage verification process. This multi-level check confirms the applicant’s eligibility and their credentials as a traditional craftsperson.

Here is a representation of how an application moves through the system:

Application Submission –> Stage 1: Verification at Local Level –> Stage 2: Vetting by District Committee –> Stage 3: Final Approval by Screening Committee –> Formal Registration

• Stage 1: Verification at the Local Level: The first check is done by the head of your local governing body. For applicants in rural areas, this is the Gram Panchayat, and for those in urban areas, it is the Urban Local Body (ULB). They verify that you are a genuine artisan residing and working in that area.
• Stage 2: Vetting by the District Implementation Committee: Once cleared at the local level, your application is forwarded to the District Implementation Committee. This committee, comprising district-level officials, vets the application and the recommendation from the Gram Panchayat/ULB.
• Stage 3: Approval by the Screening Committee: The final step is the approval by a designated Screening Committee, which reviews all the information and gives the final go-ahead for registration.

Once your application successfully passes all three stages of verification, you are formally registered as a ‘Vishwakarma’. You will then be able to download your digital PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card and start applying for the various benefits under the scheme.

The Scheme in Action – Progress, Impact, and Real Stories.

Since its launch in September 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has generated immense interest among artisans across the country. The data reflects a massive outreach, while early reports and success stories highlight its transformative potential.

A Snapshot of Progress.

The numbers show that the scheme has struck a chord with the artisan community.

• Massive Outreach: As of early November 2024, a staggering 25.8 million applications had been submitted on the PM Vishwakarma portal, indicating a widespread need and desire for such support.
• Successful Registrations: Out of these applications, 2.37 million artisans had successfully completed the three-tier verification process and were formally registered as Vishwakarmas.
• Skill Training Delivered: The skilling component has been rolled out at a significant scale. By December 2024, 15.05 lakh registered beneficiaries had completed their basic skill training, equipping them with modern knowledge and techniques.
• Credit Support Sanctioned: Financial empowerment is well underway. As of December 2024, collateral-free loans worth ₹2,197.72 crore had been sanctioned to 2.54 lakh beneficiaries, providing them with the capital needed to grow their businesses.

However, the data also reveals a significant gap between the number of applications and the final delivery of benefits like loans. While over 25 million have applied, only about 2.5 lakh have received loan sanctions so far. This points to implementation challenges that the system is actively working to address. The rigorous three-stage verification process, while necessary to ensure authenticity, is a significant filter. Furthermore, high loan rejection rates from banks have been a bottleneck, often due to issues like applicants having a poor prior credit history or banks perceiving the loans as high-risk. The government has taken note of these challenges and is implementing reforms, such as mandating that rejected loan applications be reviewed at a higher level within banks, to streamline the process and ensure more eligible artisans receive the intended support.

State-wise Engagement.

The enthusiasm for the scheme varies across states, with some regions showing exceptionally high levels of participation. A look at the data on applications received by August 2024 shows the top five states with the highest number of applicants were Madhya Pradesh (28.98 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (28.67 lakh), Karnataka (28.38 lakh), Andhra Pradesh (20.35 lakh), and Rajasthan (18.91 lakh). This regional data is crucial for administrators to understand where awareness is high and where outreach efforts need to be intensified.

Voices from the Ground: Success Stories.

Beyond the numbers, the true impact of the scheme is visible in the lives of the artisans it has touched.

• In Gaya, Bihar, Kiran Devi, who has been running a sewing business for seven years, shared how the scheme is helping her become increasingly self-reliant. She stated, “Today, we can expand our businesses while staying at home and doing household work. Another beneficiary from Gaya, Manoj Kumar, received a ₹1 lakh loan and a toolkit worth ₹15,000 after his training. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Many Prime Ministers came, but none paid attention to small and poor artisans. This scheme, started by PM Modi, is helping us to run our businesses and help us grow as self-reliant”.
• In Chandigarh, the scheme has been hailed as a “game-changer” by Raj Bahadur, an entrepreneur who used the financial support to take his venture to new heights. He successfully utilized an initial loan and subsequent increments to grow his business, highlighting the transformative power of timely credit.

Socio-Economic Impact.

The scheme is already creating significant ripples of positive change across society.

• Empowering Women: One of the most notable outcomes has been the overwhelming participation of women. Women constitute nearly 40% of all candidates who have been upskilled under the scheme. In certain trades, their participation is even more dominant. For instance, in tailoring (Darzi), women account for over 90% of the trained beneficiaries. They also form the majority in trades like garland making (Malakaar) and traditional doll and toy making. This is a powerful step towards economic gender equity, especially in rural areas where women artisans are prevalent.
• Social Inclusion: The scheme is proving to be a powerful tool for social inclusion. A large number of beneficiaries belong to marginalized communities, including Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST). By providing them with tools for economic upliftment, the scheme is helping to bring them into the mainstream of development.
• Strengthening Rural Economies: By empowering local artisans, the scheme creates sustainable livelihood opportunities within villages. This helps in reducing the economic distress that often forces people to migrate to cities in search of work, thereby strengthening the rural economic fabric and preserving the social and cultural integrity of these communities.

The Engine Room – How the Scheme is Implemented.

The successful execution of a scheme of this magnitude requires a well-oiled administrative machinery. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is implemented through a collaborative framework involving multiple ministries at the central level, with clear roles defined for state and local bodies to ensure effective delivery on the ground.

A Collaborative Effort.

PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme, which means it is fully funded by the Union Government. However, its implementation is a joint effort, bringing together the expertise of three key central government bodies:

• Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME): This is the Nodal Ministry for the scheme. It is responsible for the overall implementation, coordination, and monitoring of all aspects of the program.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE): This ministry is in charge of the entire skilling component of the scheme. It designs the training modules, accredits training centres, and oversees the certification of the artisans.
• Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance: The DFS manages the credit support pillar of the scheme. It works with banks and financial institutions to ensure the smooth flow of collateral-free loans to the beneficiaries and manages the interest subvention mechanism.

The Governance Structure.

To ensure smooth implementation from the national policy level down to the village level, the scheme has a multi-tiered governance structure.

National Level (National Steering Committee & Screening Committee) –> State Level (State Implementation Committee) –> District Level (District Implementation Committee) –> Local Level (Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies)

• National Steering Committee: This is the apex body responsible for providing overall policy guidance and direction for the scheme.
• Screening Committee: This committee is responsible for the final approval of beneficiaries after they have been cleared through the lower levels of verification.
• State Implementation Committee: At the state level, this committee oversees the implementation of the scheme within the state, coordinates with various departments, and monitors progress.
• District Implementation Committee: This is a crucial body at the district level that is responsible for vetting the applications recommended by the Gram Panchayats and ULBs before forwarding them for final approval.
• Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): These local bodies form the foundation of the implementation structure. They are responsible for the initial identification and verification of artisans in their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that the scheme reaches the grassroots.

This decentralized approach, which actively involves local governing bodies in the verification process, is a key strength of the scheme, helping to ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving individuals at the community level.

The Road Ahead and Your Questions Answered.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme represents a monumental effort to empower the backbone of India’s creative economy. While the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, the journey ahead involves navigating implementation challenges and ensuring that the scheme’s full potential is realized.

Addressing Challenges.

The government is actively working to address the bottlenecks identified in the early stages of implementation. The significant gap between the number of applications and the number of beneficiaries who have received loans is a key area of focus. Efforts are being made to work with banks to simplify the loan appraisal process for artisans, who often lack formal documentation and credit histories. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being intensified in states with lower registration numbers to ensure equitable access to the scheme’s benefits across the country.

Future Outlook.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme holds the promise of transforming India’s artisanal sector. By blending traditional skills with modern tools, technology, and market access, it aims to create a vibrant and self-reliant ecosystem for craftspeople. Over the next few years, the scheme is expected to not only improve the financial well-being of 30 lakh artisan families but also to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come. It is a critical step towards building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) that honours its roots while embracing the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

1. Is there any fee to register for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
No, the registration for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is completely free of charge. The entire cost of enrolment through Common Service Centres (CSCs) is borne by the government.

2. Can more than one person from my family apply for the scheme?
No, the benefits under the scheme are restricted to only one member per family. A ‘family’ is defined as the husband, wife, and their unmarried children.

3. I have an existing MUDRA loan. Can I still apply for the PM Vishwakarma loan?
You can apply for the PM Vishwakarma loan only if you have fully repaid your previous MUDRA or PM SVANidhi loan. If you have an outstanding loan under these schemes, you are not eligible.

4. What should I do if I don’t have a bank account?
If you do not have a bank account, the operator at the Common Service Centre (CSC) will provide assistance and help you open a basic savings bank account, which is necessary for receiving the scheme’s benefits.

5. Is the ₹15,000 for the toolkit given in cash?
No, the toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000 is not given as cash. It is provided in the form of an e-voucher, which you can use to purchase approved tools and equipment from designated centres.

6. Do I have to provide any guarantee or security (collateral) to get the loan?
No, the Enterprise Development Loans provided under this scheme are completely collateral-free. You do not need to provide any security or guarantee to avail the loan.

7. Where will the skill training take place?
The skill training will be conducted at designated training centres that are affiliated with or accredited by the government, such as vocational training centres under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

8. How can I track the status of my application after registering?
When you register at the CSC, you will receive an application ID number. You can use this number to track the status of your application on the official PM Vishwakarma portal.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The details provided are based on information available at the time of writing and are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official PM Vishwakarma scheme portal and guidelines issued by the Government of India.

C.K. Gupta

Hello, I am C.K. Gupta Founder of Taxgst.in, a seasoned finance professional with a Master of Commerce degree and over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. My extensive career has been dedicated to mastering the intricacies of financial management, tax consultancy, and strategic planning. Throughout my professional journey, I have honed my skills in financial analysis, tax planning, and compliance, ensuring that all practices adhere to the latest financial regulations. My expertise also extends to auditing, where I focus on maintaining accuracy and integrity in financial reporting. I am passionate about using my knowledge to provide insightful and reliable financial advice, helping businesses optimize their financial strategies and achieve their economic goals. At Taxgst.in, I aim to share valuable insights that assist our readers in navigating the complex world of taxes and finance with ease.