India has a rich tradition of skilled artisans and craftsmen, often known as Vishwakarmas. These workers—carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, masons, weavers, potters, and other traditional craftsmen—form the backbone of our cultural and economic heritage. However, in today’s competitive world, many of these artisans struggle with access to modern tools, markets, and finance options like business loans and credit.
To empower them, the Government of India launched the PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana (PM VIKAS). This scheme provides training, recognition, financial assistance, and market support to traditional artisans. It also offers easy access to loans, credit, and insurance, ensuring artisans are not left behind in the modern economy.
What is PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana?
The PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana is a central government scheme aimed at providing financial and technical support to artisans and craftspeople. It focuses on skill training, modern tool kits, branding support, and access to low-interest credit and business loans.
Launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme is designed to protect traditional skills while improving livelihoods. It helps artisans compete in today’s economy without depending heavily on personal loans from private lenders.
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme has multiple objectives, combining finance, credit, and skill development:
- To preserve and promote traditional skills and crafts.
- To provide artisans with access to affordable loans for business expansion.
- To enhance productivity with modern training and toolkits.
- To reduce dependency on informal credit and personal loans.
- To integrate artisans into national and global markets.
- To provide insurance coverage and social security for families of artisans.
Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Support | Collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches |
| Loan Interest Rate | Only 5% (with government subsidy) |
| Skill Training | Free modern training for artisans |
| Toolkit Incentive | ₹15,000 grant for purchasing modern tools |
| Recognition | PM Vishwakarma ID card and digital certificate |
| Market Linkage | Support in branding, e-commerce, exhibitions |
| Insurance | Social security and accident coverage for artisans |
By combining insurance, credit, and finance support, this scheme helps artisans achieve stability without falling into debt traps.
Loan & Credit Facility under PM Vishwakarma
One of the most attractive features of this scheme is the loan and credit support:
- First Tranche Loan:
- ₹1 lakh loan at 5% interest.
- Repayable in 18 months.
- Second Tranche Loan:
- ₹2 lakh loan at 5% interest.
- Given only after successful repayment of the first loan.
- Repayable in 30 months.
This structured business loan facility ensures that artisans can expand their work without relying on costly personal loans or high-interest credit cards.
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Financial Benefits
| Benefit Type | Amount / Support |
|---|---|
| Toolkit Incentive | ₹15,000 |
| First Loan | ₹1,00,000 |
| Second Loan | ₹2,00,000 |
| Subsidy on Loan Interest | Paid by Government |
| Insurance Coverage | Included under scheme |
By linking artisans with finance and loan opportunities, the scheme ensures long-term stability and growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the scheme, applicants must:
- Be a practicing artisan or craftsperson.
- Belong to one of the 18 traditional trades recognized under the scheme (like carpentry, pottery, weaving, goldsmithing, etc.).
- Be aged 18 years or above.
- Not already have availed benefits of similar government loan and finance schemes.
List of Trades Covered
The scheme covers 18 key trades, including:
- Carpenter
- Blacksmith
- Goldsmith
- Cobbler
- Barber
- Tailor
- Washerman
- Mason
- Weaver
- Boat maker
- Basket maker
- Doll and toy maker
- Fishing net maker
- Locksmith
- Armourer
- Sculptor
- Stone breaker
- Others engaged in traditional crafts
This broad coverage ensures artisans from diverse backgrounds get access to credit, insurance, and finance benefits.
Application Process
Applying for the PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana is simple and mostly digital:
- Visit the official portal: pmvishwakarma.gov.in.
- Register with Aadhaar authentication.
- Fill in details of your trade, experience, and bank account.
- Submit supporting documents (Aadhaar, bank passbook, trade certificate if available).
- Once verified, beneficiaries receive the PM Vishwakarma ID Card and eligibility for loan and insurance benefits.
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Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Bank Passbook | For loan and credit transfer |
| Mobile Number | For OTP and updates |
| Ration Card | Proof of family income |
| Caste/Community Certificate | For reservation benefits (if applicable) |
| Artisan Trade Proof | Proof of skill (optional but helpful) |
Skill Training Component
The scheme not only provides finance and credit support, but also ensures artisans get free skill training:
- Basic Training: 5–7 days to upgrade existing skills.
- Advanced Training: 15 days to learn advanced modern techniques.
- Training comes with a stipend of ₹500 per day.
- Free insurance cover for trainees during training.
Toolkit Incentive
Every artisan receives a one-time grant of ₹15,000 to buy modern toolkits. Instead of taking a personal loan or credit card loan, artisans can now get financial support directly from the government.
Market Linkage & Branding
The scheme ensures that artisans are not just trained but also connected to markets:
- E-commerce onboarding (Amazon, Flipkart, Government e-Marketplace).
- Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
- Branding support for artisan products.
- Digital payments and UPI integration for credit transactions.
Insurance & Social Security
Apart from loan and finance, the scheme also ensures insurance coverage for artisans. Families of registered beneficiaries are eligible for:
- Accidental insurance.
- Disability benefits.
- Life coverage under existing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.
This protects families from financial distress and avoids the need for emergency personal loans.
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- Easy Loans: Access up to ₹3 lakh loan at only 5% interest.
- Skill Upgrade: Free training with stipend and modern techniques.
- Toolkit Support: ₹15,000 grant for equipment.
- Insurance Security: Social security coverage for artisans.
- Market Support: Help in branding, credit, and selling products.
- Financial Stability: Less dependence on moneylenders and costly loans.
Impact on Artisans
Before this scheme, most artisans depended on personal loans or informal credit to sustain their work. Many fell into debt traps. With PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana:
- Artisans can expand work using low-interest business loans.
- Families are protected with insurance coverage.
- Skills are upgraded for better earnings.
- Creditworthiness improves, enabling access to formal finance systems.
Comparison with Other Loan Schemes
| Feature | PM Vishwakarma Yojana | Mudra Yojana | Private Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | ₹3 lakh | ₹10 lakh | Depends on bank |
| Interest Rate | 5% | 8–12% | 12–24% |
| Collateral | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Insurance | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Market Support | Yes | Limited | No |
Clearly, PM Vishwakarma offers better finance and credit terms compared to private personal loans or business loans.
Challenges
- Need for better awareness among rural artisans.
- Digital literacy is still a challenge.
- Delay in disbursement of loan and credit if documents are incomplete.
- Market competition from machine-made goods.
FAQs
1. What is the interest rate for Vishwakarma loans?
Only 5% interest, with the government providing subsidy on higher rates.
2. How much loan can an artisan get?
Up to ₹3 lakh in two phases (₹1 lakh + ₹2 lakh).
3. Is insurance included?
Yes, artisans are covered under accident and life insurance schemes.
4. Who can apply?
Any artisan in one of the 18 trades, aged 18+, with Aadhaar-linked bank account.
5. How does it help financially?
Instead of taking high-interest personal loans, artisans get affordable business loans and credit support.
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana 2025 is a game-changer for India’s artisans. By combining skill training, toolkit incentives, business loans, insurance, and market support, it creates a strong foundation for self-reliance.
In a world where financial stability often depends on loans, credit, and insurance, this scheme ensures that artisans no longer have to depend on costly personal loans or private moneylenders. With government-backed finance and business loan support, artisans can preserve traditional crafts while achieving modern prosperity.
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