PM Vishwakarma Yojana for Traditional Workers

PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a government initiative launched in 2023 to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in India. It offers recognition, skill training, modern toolkits, and collateral-free loans to workers in 18 traditional trades like carpentry, blacksmithing, tailoring, and pottery. The scheme aims to boost their income, improve product quality, and connect them to modern markets.

Key Features of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a government initiative launched in 2023 to support traditional artisans and craftspeople involved in 18 trades such as carpentry, blacksmithing, tailoring, pottery, and more. The scheme offers formal recognition through a certificate and ID, free skill training with a daily stipend, and a toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000. It also provides collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakhs at a subsidized interest rate of 5%, helping artisans grow their businesses. In addition, the scheme focuses on digital empowerment and market linkages, enabling artisans to adopt digital tools and connect with broader markets. Overall, it aims to preserve traditional skills while enhancing income and livelihood opportunities for India’s skilled craftspeople.

Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme offers a wide range of benefits aimed at empowering traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. Here are the key advantages:

1. Formal Recognition

•  Beneficiaries receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and a Unique ID Card, officially recognizing their skills and profession.

2. Skill Upgradation

•  Access to free skill development training (Basic and Advanced levels) to help artisans improve their techniques and learn modern practices.

•  A stipend of ₹500 per day is provided during training.

3. Tool Kit Incentive

•  A grant of up to ₹15,000 for purchasing modern tools and equipment relevant to their trade, helping improve efficiency and product quality.

4. Easy Access to Credit

•  Collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakhs, provided in two phases:

•  ₹1 lakh in the first tranche

•  ₹2 lakh in the second tranche (after successful repayment of the first)

•  Low-interest rate of just 5%, with the government covering the interest subsidy.

5. Digital Empowerment

Support for onboarding on digital payment platforms and assistance with digital transactions to help artisans grow their business.

6. Market Linkage and Promotion

•  Help in connecting artisans to local and national markets.
•  Opportunities to participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, and e-commerce platforms to showcase and sell their products.

7. Support for Sustainable Livelihood

•  The scheme aims to enhance income stability, promote self-employment, and preserve traditional crafts for future generations.

These benefits make the PM Vishwakarma Scheme a powerful initiative for building a strong foundation for India’s traditional artisan communities, helping them become part of the modern economy while preserving their unique heritage.

Documents Required for PM Vishwakarma Scheme

To apply for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, eligible artisans and craftspeople must submit a set of essential documents for identity verification, eligibility confirmation, and processing of benefits. Here's a detailed list of documents typically required:

Proof of Identity

Aadhaar Card – Must be linked with the mobile number for OTP verification.

PAN Card – For income and loan-related processing.

Proof of Address

Aadhaar (if it shows a complete address), or

Voter ID, Electricity Bill, Ration Card, or any other valid government-issued address proof.

Photograph

Recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.

Bank Account Details

Bank passbook or cancelled cheque with account number and IFSC code to facilitate direct benefit transfers and credit disbursement.

Caste Certificate (if applicable)

Required for applicants from SC/ST/OBC categories to avail of category-based benefits, if any.

Proof of Occupation/Trade

A self-declaration form or certificate indicating the traditional trade practiced.

In some cases, local body or panchayat verification may be required to confirm the applicant’s occupation.

Training or Skill Certificates (if available)

Not mandatory but helpful if the applicant has prior skill training or certification related to their trade.

Consent for Aadhaar Authentication

The applicant must provide consent for using Aadhaar for identity verification during registration.

These documents are required to ensure transparency, authenticity, and proper targeting of benefits under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Applicants are encouraged to keep both physical and digital copies ready while applying, either online through the official portal or at a Common Service Centre (CSC).

Eligibility for PM Vishwakarma Scheme

To ensure that the benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme reach the right individuals, the government has outlined clear eligibility criteria. The scheme is intended for traditional artisans and craftspeople who rely on manual skills and tools for their livelihood. Here are the main requirements:

The applicant must be:

•  A citizen of India, aged 18 years or older.

•  Engaged in one of the 18 identified traditional trades, such as carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, cobbler, barber, washerman, tailor, basket maker, locksmith, and others.

•  Practicing the trade as a self-employed individual or in a family-based traditional occupation, using hands and basic tools, not machines or factories.

•  Not a government employee (central or state) or a worker in the formal sector.

•  Not already a beneficiary of similar central government credit-linked subsidy schemes such as PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, or Mudra (for the same trade).

•  Only one member per family (defined as husband, wife, and unmarried children) is eligible to avail of the benefits under the scheme.

•  Willing to undergo skill training as part of the scheme's requirements.

These criteria ensure the scheme specifically targets grassroots-level artisans, helping preserve traditional crafts and improve their economic stability.

Registration Process for PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Registering for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is simple, but applicants must follow a few important steps to ensure their application is complete and successful. The process can be done online or through a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC).

Step-by-Step Registration Process:

1. Visit the Official Portal

Visit the official website PM Vishwakarma

The portal is available in multiple Indian languages for easier access.

2. Aadhaar Authentication

Begin the registration by entering your Aadhaar number and verifying it using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

This step is essential for identity verification and to prevent duplicate registrations.

3. Fill in Personal and Trade Details

Enter personal information such as name, gender, date of birth, contact details, and address.

Select your trade/profession from the list of 18 recognized Vishwakarma trades.

Upload required documents like Aadhaar card, PAN, bank details, and occupation proof.

4. Upload Photograph and Documents

Upload a passport-size photo and scanned copies of all necessary documents in the prescribed format and size.

5. Training Preference and Loan Option

Choose whether you want to undergo skill training (Basic or Advanced).

You can also opt for toolkit support and loan assistance during this stage.

6. Final Submission

Carefully review all the details entered before submitting the application.

After submission, you will receive a Registration ID or Application Number for future reference.

7. Verification by Authorities

The submitted details will be verified by local authorities or implementing agencies such as KVIC, NSDC, or District Industry Centres.

In some cases, a physical verification of your trade or place of work may be required.

8. Issuance of PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID

Once approved, you will receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and Digital ID Card, officially recognizing you as a beneficiary.

Alternate Method: Registration via Common Service Centres (CSCs)
If you are not comfortable registering online yourself, visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre). A CSC operator (VLE) will assist you in filling out the form, uploading documents, and completing the process on your behalf.

How to Check Application Status - PM Vishwakarma Scheme

After successfully registering for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, applicants can easily check the status of their application online. The process is user-friendly and helps artisans stay informed about the progress of their application, approval, or disbursement stages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Application Status:

1. Visit the Official Website

Visit the official website PM Vishwakarma

2. Click on 'Application Status' or 'Track Your Application'

On the homepage, look for a section or tab labeled “Track Application” or “Application Status”.

Click on it to proceed to the tracking page.

3. Enter Required Details

You’ll be asked to enter details such as:

Registration ID/Application Number (received at the time of application)

Or your Aadhaar number

Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification

4. OTP Verification

Once the details are entered, you’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.

Enter the OTP to proceed.

5. View Application Status

After successful verification, your application status will be displayed.

The status may show different stages like:

Application Submitted

Under Verification

Approved

Certificate Issued

Loan Sanctioned or Toolkit Disbursed (if applicable)

6. Download Certificate or ID (If Approved)

If your application is approved, you may be given the option to download your PM Vishwakarma Certificate and Digital ID Card directly from the portal.

Conclusion

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a visionary step by the Government of India to recognize, empower, and uplift the country’s traditional artisans and craftspeople who have long been the backbone of India’s cultural and economic heritage. By offering formal recognition, skill development, modern toolkits, financial assistance, and digital and market access, the scheme bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern opportunity.

It not only aims to improve the quality of life and income for skilled workers in 18 trades but also ensures the preservation and growth of age-old craftsmanship in a rapidly changing economy. Through simplified registration, transparent processing, and inclusive benefits, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme stands as a strong pillar for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), where traditional skills are not just respected, but rewarded and revitalized.