On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the PM Vishwakarma program, which will help traditional artisans and craftspeople. On his birthday today, Prime Minister Modi opened the Rs 5,400 crore Yashobhoomi, the first phase of the India International Convention Centre (IICC), in Dwarka. He spoke with the Center’s artisans and craftspeople as well. In his speech today, PM Modi stated that artisans will receive proper training in addition to a stipend of Rs 500 per day while they are in the training process.
“The friends who have been at the root of India’s prosperity for thousands of years are our Vishwakarmas,” he told artisans.
“With the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma, ‘Pradhanmantri Vishwakarma Yojana’ is being started today. PM Vishwakarma Yojana comes as a new ray of hope for millions of families working traditionally with hand skills and tools,” the Prime Minister said.
He urged the artisans to purchase toolkits only from those shops that GST registered and the products are Made in India.
With a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, the Union Government will fully fund PM Vishwakarma. The artists will receive recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill development through basic and advanced training, a 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 reduced interest rate of 5%, a reward for digital transactions, and marketing assistance. Under PM Vishwakarma, 18 traditional crafts will be covered.
These include Carpenter; Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; Locksmith; Goldsmith; Potter; Sculptor, Stone breaker; Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan); Mason (Rajmistri); Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); Barber; Garland maker; Washerman; Tailor; and Fishing Net Maker.