PM Vishwakarma Completes Three Years with 30 Lakh Artisans Registered

New Delhi, Sep 16 (KNN) The PM Vishwakarma Scheme has completed three years with 30 lakh artisans and craftspeople registered after undergoing the prescribed three-stage verification process, achieving the scheme’s registration target.

Launched on September 17, 2023, the scheme provides support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified traditional trades. Its benefits include formal recognition through certificates and identity cards, skill training, toolkit incentives, concessional credit, incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.

According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), around 24.50 lakh beneficiaries have completed basic skill training through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The training is aimed at upgrading traditional skills and improving the use of modern tools and techniques.

Under the credit component, 6.18 lakh beneficiaries have received loans of up to Rs 1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent per annum. The total credit support extended under this component stands at Rs 5,297 crore.

The scheme has also facilitated the delivery of 18.15 lakh modern toolkits to beneficiaries through India Post. The toolkit support is intended to provide artisans with improved equipment for their respective trades.

In West Bengal, the state government onboarded the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in May 2026. So far, 3,000 beneficiaries in the state have completed the three-stage verification process and registered under the scheme, while skill training is currently being provided.

The third anniversary of the scheme will be observed on September 17, 2026, at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari are scheduled to attend the event, along with Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje and other central and state government representatives.

The Kolkata programme will include the distribution of PM Vishwakarma certificates, basic skill training certificates, loan certificates and toolkits to beneficiaries. An exhibition of products made by local artisans and craftspeople will also be organised.

(KNN Bureau)