Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Food Processing, and Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel, stated today that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will accord due respect to traditional artisans and craftsmen.
Patel made these remarks in Shillong during the national launch of the scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The minister emphasised that traditional artisans and craftsmen play an integral role in society by preserving India’s centuries-old traditions and crafts but they are yet to receive the recognition they deserve, given their remarkable skills. Patel credited Modi for giving talented artisans their due right by launching the scheme. He asserted that this initiative will provide necessary support and training to empower these essential members of our society.
“It is a coincidence that it is also the birthday of our Prime Minister who has been labouring to build a prosperous India,” Patel said. “This is a historic day in the development journey of India as the government has come forward as a partner to elevate the respect, enhance the capabilities and grow the prosperity of traditional artisans and craftsmen.”
Enumerating the details of the scheme, the Minister said that during the next five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28 with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crore, 18 focus areas of artisans and craftsmen – carpenter, boat maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, stone breaker, cobbler, mason, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, traditional doll and toy maker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor and fishing net maker have been included in the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
They will be given recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 percent, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support, he added.
