PRESS STATEMENT ON PM VISHWAKARMA SCHEME IN SIAHA

Siaha : A meeting of the District Implementation Committee (DIC) Siaha regarding the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme was held today at 11:00 AM in the DC Mini Conference Hall.

The meeting was chaired by Pu Abraham Beirazi Khithie, Additional DC of Siaha, with a report presented by Pu H. Lalbiaknia, SDC. The report stated that out of the 18 trades covered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, 461 applications have been received from various villages across Siaha district. Of these, 123 have completed Stage 1, 13 have completed Stage 2, and 9 have reached Stage 3.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a central government initiative aimed at supporting artisans and craftsmen across India by providing them with assistance and opportunities for growth.

SCOPE OF THE SCHEME: The following trades are covered under the scheme:

1. Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai);
2. Boat Maker;
3. Armourer;
4. Blacksmith (Lohar);
5. Hammer and Tool Kit Maker;
6. Locksmith;
7. Goldsmith (Sonar);
8. Potter (Kumhaar);
9. Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker;
10. Cobbler (Charmkar)/Shoesmith/Footwear artisan;
11. Mason (Rajmistri);
12. Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver;
13. Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional);
14. Barber (Naai);
15. Garland Maker (Malakaar);
16. Washerman (Dhobi);
17. Tailor (Darzi);
18. Fishing Net Maker.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME: (i) To assist skilled artisans in leveraging existing schemes and resources under this program. (ii) To provide training and support for artisans to modernize their skills and adapt to current industry standards. (iii) To enhance the quality of their products and ensure the availability of better tools and materials. (iv) To offer financial assistance through low-interest loans with minimal collateral requirements. (v) To encourage digital transactions by offering incentives. (vi) To provide marketing support to promote and sell their products.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE: (i) Individuals engaged in any of the 18 trades listed above, either informally or through self-employment, can apply. (ii) Applicants must be at least 18 years old. (iii) Those who have received benefits from other government schemes like PMEGP, Mudra, or PM Svanidhi in the past five years are not eligible, except for those who have fully repaid their loans under Mudra or Svanidhi. (iv) Only one person from each household can apply, where “household” includes spouses and unmarried children. (v) Government employees and their household members are not eligible to apply.

REGISTRATION PROCESS: (i) Registration can be done online via the PM Vishwakarma portal or through Common Service Centres (CSCs). (ii) Applicants must have an Aadhaar Card, which will be verified biometrically at CSCs. (iii) The application process involves three stages of verification, after which the applicant will be registered under the scheme.

BENEFITS UNDER THE SCHEME: (i) PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card: Beneficiaries will receive a certificate and ID card that entitles them to all benefits under the scheme. (ii) Skill Upgradation: Training will be provided in stages:

• Skill Assessment: Conducted at a Training Centre before Basic Training.
• Basic Training: A 5-7 day course (approximately 40 hours) with accommodation, meals, and daily stipends of Rs. 500.
• Advanced Training: A 15-day to 120-hour course with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day. The government will also provide accommodation and meals during this period. (iii) Tool Kits: A grant of Rs. 15,000 for the purchase of tools will be provided after Skill Assessment. (iv) Loan Assistance: Loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs will be provided in two tranches. The first tranche is Rs. 1 lakh, and the second tranche is up to Rs. 2 lakhs.
• Loan Interest: The loan will have a fixed interest rate of 5%. If the bank’s interest rate exceeds this, the government will subsidize it to 8%. (v) Digital Transaction Incentive: Beneficiaries will be encouraged to use digital transactions, with an incentive of Rs. 1 per transaction up to 100 transactions per month. (vi) Marketing Support: Efforts will be made to improve the quality of products, promote them via social media and digital advertising, and provide market linkages through trade fairs and e-commerce platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Detailed guidelines for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme can be found on the official website, www.pmvishwakarma.gov.in. Further information is also available at the Directorate of Commerce & Industries in Khatla and District Industries Centre.