India is a land of tradition and skilled hands. For hundreds of years, families have been working in small trades like pottery, carpentry, tailoring, goldsmithing, and other crafts. These artisans are the backbone of our culture and economy. But in today’s world of machines and big factories, many of them face financial struggles, lack modern tools, and have very limited access to the market.
To support these hardworking people, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana, also called the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. This scheme is specially made for people in 18 traditional trades, giving them recognition, financial help, training, and a chance to expand their work.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during the launch, “The Vishwakarma community is the foundation of India’s local economy. By supporting them with modern training, technology, and credit, this scheme will bring a sea change in their lives.”
In this blog, we will explain in detail what the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is, who can apply, benefits, loan details, required documents, application process, and most importantly – why you should apply for this scheme.
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What is PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched on 17th September 2023 by the Ministry of MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises). It is a Central Sector Scheme, which means it is fully funded by the Central Government.
The scheme is designed to uplift small artisans and craftspeople by:
- Giving them official recognition as Vishwakarma workers.
- Providing free skill training and stipend during training.
- Offering toolkit incentive to improve their work.
- Giving collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh at just 5% interest rate.
- Supporting them in marketing, branding, and digital payments.
It runs for five years (2023–24 to 2027–28) with a vision to benefit millions of artisan families across India.
Who Can Apply for PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
Not everyone is eligible for this scheme. The government has set certain conditions to ensure that only genuine artisans get the benefits.
Here are the eligibility rules:
- Age: The applicant must be 18 years or above.
- Trade: The person should be working in one of the 18 listed traditional trades.
- Current Engagement: Must be actively practicing the trade at the time of application.
- Loan History: Should not have taken any loan from other government schemes like Mudra, PMEGP, or PM SVANidhi in the last 5 years.
- Family Rule: Only one member from a family (husband, wife, or unmarried child) can apply.
- Exclusion: Government employees and their family members cannot apply.
List of 18 Trades Covered
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme supports these traditional trades:
- Carpenter (Suthar / Badhai)
- Boat Maker
- Blacksmith (Lohar)
- Goldsmith (Sunar)
- Potter (Kumhaar)
- Cobbler / Footwear artisan
- Mason (Raajmistri)
- Barber (Naai)
- Tailor (Darzi)
- Washerman (Dhobi)
- Basket / Mat / Broom Maker
- Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional)
- Garland Maker (Malakaar)
- Stone Carver / Sculptor
- Armourer
- Locksmith
- Hammer & Tool Kit Maker
- Fishing Net Maker
If your work belongs to one of these categories, you can register for this scheme.
Key Indicators of the Scheme (as per official portal)
- Applications Submitted:2,72,03,478
- This shows the high demand and trust artisans have in the scheme.
- Verification at Local Level:1,68,21,086
- Verification completed at Gram Panchayat / Urban Local Body (ULB) level.
- Verification at District Level:76,12,057
- Scrutiny done at District Implementation Committee level.
- Screening Committee Approved:30,24,157
- Applications cleared after detailed checks.
- Successfully Registered Artisans:30,00,000
- Officially registered beneficiaries who can now access loans, toolkits, and training.
👉 These numbers prove how big the scheme is and how quickly it is reaching artisans across the country.
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Now comes the most important part – why you should apply for this scheme. The benefits are not just about money but also about recognition, training, and future growth.
1. Recognition
- Every beneficiary receives a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card.
- This certificate works as official proof of your skills and helps you connect with markets, banks, and training centres.
2. Free Skill Training with Stipend
- Beneficiaries get Basic Training (5–7 days) and Advanced Training (15+ days).
- During training, you get a stipend of ₹500 per day, so you don’t lose income while learning new skills.
- The training teaches modern methods, better quality work, and digital payment usage.
3. Toolkit Incentive
- At the start of basic training, artisans get a free toolkit e-voucher worth ₹15,000.
- This helps them buy or upgrade their tools and improve the quality of their products.
4. Easy Loan Support
- The scheme provides a loan of up to ₹3 lakh, divided into two parts:
- First loan: ₹1 lakh (18 months repayment).
- Second loan: ₹2 lakh (30 months repayment).
- The interest rate is only 5%, and the rest is paid by the government.
- Most importantly, the loan is collateral-free, which means you don’t need to give any property or security.
5. Digital Transaction Incentive
- You can earn ₹1 for every digital transaction, up to 100 transactions monthly.
- This encourages artisans to use UPI and online payments, which are faster and safer.
6. Marketing and Branding Support
- The government helps artisans with quality certification, branding, and e-commerce platforms.
- You can sell products on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and even participate in trade fairs.
Documents Required
To apply, you need some basic documents:
- Aadhaar Card (linked with mobile number)
- Ration Card (if not, Aadhaar of all family members)
- Bank Account details
- Proof of trade/occupation
- Passport-size photograph
How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The application process is very simple. You can apply online or through a Common Service Centre (CSC).
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official website – www.pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
- Click on “Apply Online”.
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC.
- Fill in your details – trade, bank, and family details.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit the form and get a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card.
- Join the basic training program and receive a toolkit incentive.
- Apply for the first loan of ₹1 lakh.
- After repayment and advanced training, apply for the second loan of ₹2 lakh.
You can also apply offline at CSCs, MSME offices, or District Industry Centres.
Why Should You Apply?
Now the key question – why should you apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
- Because it gives you recognition and proves your skill officially.
- Because you get free training and stipend without losing your daily income.
- Because you receive a free toolkit worth ₹15,000.
- Because you can get loans up to ₹3 lakh at just 5% interest.
- Because you get a chance to sell products in bigger markets and online platforms.
- Because you earn incentives for using digital payments.
- Because this scheme helps you grow your business, increase income, and secure your family’s future.
This scheme is not just financial help – it is a complete package for artisans to move from unorganized work to the formal economy.
FAQs on PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Q1: Can more than one person from the same family apply?
No, only one member from a family can apply.
Q2: What is the maximum loan amount under this scheme?
You can get up to ₹3 lakh (₹1 lakh + ₹2 lakh).
Q3: Is the loan interest-free?
No, you pay 5% interest, but the government pays the rest.
Q4: Do I need property as collateral for the loan?
No, the loan is collateral-free.
Q5: How long will this scheme run?
The scheme runs from 2023 to 2028 under the current plan.
Partners of PM Vishwakarma
The scheme is a team effort, supported by several national institutions and organizations. Some key partners are:
- SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) – provides credit and loan management.
- NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) – organizes training programs.
- NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) – helps with identity verification and digital record management.
- GeM (Government e-Marketplace) – enables artisans to sell their products online to government buyers.
- DigiLocker – stores certificates and documents digitally for artisans.
- Common Service Centres (CSCs) – help artisans apply and register in rural and semi-urban areas.
- NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) – supports digital payment incentives.
- State Governments, District Authorities, and Panchayats – ensure smooth implementation on the ground.
This wide partnership ensures that the scheme is not just about loans but about complete empowerment of artisans through training, finance, technology, and market support.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a great opportunity for India’s traditional artisans to get recognition, skill training, and financial help. With loans up to ₹3 lakh, free training, stipend, toolkit, and market support, this scheme gives everything a small worker needs to succeed.
If you or your family member is working in one of the 18 listed trades, you must not miss this chance. Apply today and move towards a better and secure future.
👉 Visit www.pmvishwakarma.gov.in and start your application now.
