Modi to launch Rs 13,000-crore PM Vishwakarma scheme for artisans today

PM Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the IICC, known as ‘Yashobhoomi’ in Dwarka, New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme around 11 am on September 17, which marks his 73rd birthday, to step up the skill of artisans and bring about a transformative impact on their lives by providing them with easy access to credit and marketing support.

“We have been continuously striving for the prosperity of our skilled brothers and sisters who play a very important role in social life. In this series, tomorrow on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, we will get the privilege of launching ‘PM Vishwakarma’. This scheme will not only enhance the skills of the artisans and craftsmen across the country but will also give new recognition to the things made by our family members across the world,” Modi wrote on X on September 16.

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The event will take place at the inauguration of the first phase of the India International Convention Centre (IICC) in Dwarka.

PM Vishwakarma will be funded entirely by the Centre with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore. Under this scheme, individuals will receive skill upgradation via both basic and advanced training. Additionally, they will be given a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000. Access to collateral-free credit support will also be provided, up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche and up to Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche, at a concessional interest rate of 5 percent. Incentives will also be given for digital transactions and marketing activities.

PM Modi introduced the scheme during his Independence Day address, and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) allocated Rs 13,000 crore for its implementation. The scheme aims to benefit traditional craftspeople and artisans and will be applicable for five financial years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

“It has been the sustained focus of the Prime Minister to give support to the people engaged in traditional crafts. This focus is driven by the desire to not only support the artisans and craftspeople financially but also to keep the age-old tradition, culture and diverse heritage alive and flourishing through local products, art and crafts,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a release.

PM Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the IICC, known as Yashobhoomi, in Dwarka, New Delhi, on September 17. He he will also dedicate the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express Line, connecting Dwarka Sector 21 to a newly constructed metro station at Dwarka Sector 25.