This Vishwakarma Jayanti was a special one for artisans across the nation as the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’. It also comes as a huge boost to the beauty industry as it covers barbers under its ambit. Let’s delve deeper into this scheme that aims to support and uplift individuals engaged in traditional crafts.
On September 17, 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India celebrated Vishwakarma Day and announced the launch of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. The event took place at the recently inaugurated International Convention and Expo Centre, New Delhi.
Bringing the artisans into the mainstream economy, the primary objective of the scheme is to enhance the quality and reach of products and services provided by them. The scheme comes as a welcoming step to revive the craft and skill of the people of this country. Furthermore, it will pave the way for dignified sources of income for many across the nation.
The Aid Available Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The scheme launched by the government has an allocation of around ₹ 13,000 crores over the next five years. It aims to uplift all the ‘vishwakarmas’, the artisans of this country by providing financial and training aid. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme will provide basic and advanced training for skill enhancement. Further, the artisans will also be provided with a toolkit incentive of ₹ 15,000.
As per the Prime Minister, the artisans will be entitled to collateral-free credit support of up to ₹ 1 lakh in the first tranche and ₹ 2 lakh in the second tranche. This credit support shall be available at a concessionary interest rate of only five per cent. Additionally, the artisans will also be entitled to incentives for digital transactions and marketing support. “In these changing times, training, technology and tools are critical for the Vishwakarma friends”, says the Prime Minister
Barbering: One of The Crafts Covered Under the Scheme
The scheme aims to encourage and benefit artisans and craftspeople from rural as well as urban areas across the nation. It covers around 18 traditional crafts ranging from carpentry, armoury, pottery, masonry, and tailoring, among others. The scheme is also a boost to the beauty industry as it covers barbering under its ambit. It is likely to promote and encourage barbers from pan India to take a leap and carve a way for greater success in this ever-growing industry.
The Way Ahead
With the training and financial aid provided by the scheme, many skilled individuals from lesser-privileged backgrounds will now have a fair share of opportunities to bring their talents to the fore. Not only will it help individuals hone their skills but also generate more opportunities and revenues in the industries.
Image courtesy: Ministry Of MSME
Courtesy Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-launches-vishwakarma-scheme-artisans-craftspersons-8943983/