PM Vishwakarma Scheme Completes 3 Years, Registers 30 Lakh Beneficiaries

Why in News?

• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme has completed three years of implementation. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will organise the Third Anniversary celebration of the scheme on 17 September 2026 at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The scheme has achieved a major milestone, with 30 lakh beneficiaries completing the prescribed three-stage verification process and getting registered under the scheme.

About PM Vishwakarma Scheme

• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 September 2023. It aims to provide comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades.
• The scheme seeks to strengthen traditional skills by providing artisans with modern tools, skill training, financial support and better access to markets.

Key Objectives

• The major objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme are:
  • To support traditional artisans and craftspeople.
  • To improve their skills through training and capacity building.
  • To provide modern tools and technology.
  • To facilitate access to institutional credit.
  • To promote digital transactions.
  • To provide market linkages for artisan products.
  • To improve the income and entrepreneurial capabilities of Vishwakarmas.

Key Components of the Scheme

The scheme provides an integrated package of support to eligible artisans.

Recognition

• Beneficiaries receive PM Vishwakarma certificates and identity cards, providing formal recognition of their skills and occupation.

Skill Development

• The scheme provides basic and advanced skill training to help artisans improve their traditional skills and adopt modern techniques.

Toolkit Incentive

• Beneficiaries receive financial support for purchasing modern toolkits to improve the quality and productivity of their work.

Credit Support

• The scheme provides collateral-free credit support at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum.

Digital Transaction Incentive

• Beneficiaries are encouraged to use digital payment systems through incentives for digital transactions.

Marketing Support

• The scheme helps artisans connect with markets and promotes their products through branding, quality certification and other marketing initiatives.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Three-Year Milestones

The scheme has achieved several important milestones in three years:

• 30 lakh beneficiaries have completed the three-stage verification process and registered under the scheme.
• Around 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas have received Basic Skill Training.
• 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas have received loans of up to ₹1 lakh.
• Credit support of around ₹5,297 crore has been provided at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum.
• Around 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered to beneficiaries through India Post.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme in West Bengal

• The Government of West Bengal decided to onboard the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in May 2026.
• So far, around 3,000 beneficiaries in the state have completed the three-stage verification process and registered under the scheme. Skill training is also being provided to registered beneficiaries.
• The third-anniversary event in Kolkata will include the distribution of PM Vishwakarma certificates, skill-training certificates, loan certificates and toolkits to beneficiaries.
• An exhibition will also showcase products made by local artisans and craftspeople, providing them an opportunity to display and sell their products.

Significance 

• Traditional artisans and craftspeople play an important role in preserving India's cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. However, many face challenges such as limited access to finance, outdated tools, inadequate market access and insufficient skill development opportunities.
• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme seeks to address these challenges through an end-to-end support system covering recognition, training, modern tools, credit, digital transactions and market access.
• The scheme can therefore contribute to livelihood generation, skill preservation, entrepreneurship development and the formalisation of traditional occupations.

Conclusion

The completion of three years of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme marks an important milestone in supporting India's traditional artisans and craftspeople. With 30 lakh beneficiaries registered after completing the required verification process, the scheme aims to combine traditional skills with modern tools, finance and market opportunities to strengthen livelihoods and promote entrepreneurship.

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