Vishwakarma Scheme Will Aid 30 Lakh Artisan Families: Centre

Relevance: GS 2 - Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

(Source: The Hindu, 08/17/23)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the “PM Vishwakarma” with an outlay of ₹ 13,000 crore.
• The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15.
• It will be available for traditional craftspeople and artisans for five financial years from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.

About PM Vishwakarma

• The scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the “Guru-Shishya parampara” or the family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.
• 18 traditional trades such as carpenter, boat maker, armorer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, stone breaker, cobbler, mason, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, traditional Doll & toy maker,barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor and fishing net maker will be covered under the scheme.

Features

• Recognition: Artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
• Financial aid: The scheme has a provision of credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
• Skill upgradation: The skilling program will take place at both basic and advanced types. Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day while undergoing training.
• Incentive for toolkit: Beneficiaries will also receive up to ₹15,000 to buy modern tools.
• Marketing support: The scheme aims at improving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftsmen and to ensure that Vishwakarma is integrated with the domestic and global value chains
• The scheme will be launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, benefiting individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from the OBC community.
• Weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, barbers, and such families will be empowered through the Vishwakarma Yojana.

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: To obtain the full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do? (UPSC-2013)

(a) Promoting skill development

(b) Introducing more social security schemes

(c) Reducing infant mortality rate

(d) Privatization of higher education