Artisans, craftsmen to get Rs 3 lakh loan
*MSMEs, Lead Banks to give nod; ULBs to verify
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Sept 14: The Government has unveiled guidelines of ‘Vishwakarma Scheme’ which will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, his birthday, at 70 locations across the country, simultaneously through virtual mode from India International Convention Centre Dwarka, New Delhi. At all 70 places, Union Ministers will be present in different States and Union Territories.
Excelsior had exclusively reported about the launch of ‘Vishwakarma Scheme’.
The scheme aimed at benefitting artisans and craftsmen will be applicable to one member in a family who should be aged above 18, as per guidelines of the Scheme released for States/Union Territories across the country.
“The artisans and craftsmen intending to avail benefits of the scheme shouldn’t have been the beneficiary of any other Self Employment Scheme in the last five years,’’ the officials told the Excelsior quoting the scheme. They said the intending beneficiaries can also apply online for availing benefits of the scheme.
They said the artisans and craftsmen will be paid Rs 15,000 as first installment for purchase of tool kits followed by training in which they will be paid Rs 500 per day. After training, they will get Rs one lakh loan for one and half years followed by second installment of Rs 2 lakh for next two and half years.
The scheme which has been approved by the Union Cabinet will be valid for next three financial years.
As per the guidelines, after online registration, a detailed verification of intending beneficiaries will be conducted by the Urban Local Bodies following approval by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and State Lead Bankers.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh will launch the Vishwakarma Scheme physically at Jammu in the presence of Lok Sabha MP from Jammu-Poonch constituency Jugal Kishore Sharma and senior officers of civil administration.
A number of beneficiaries are expected to avail benefits of the Scheme in Jammu region.
The Scheme will be launched at 70 locations virtually by the Prime Minister from India International Trade Centre at Dwarka in New Delhi and physically by the Union Ministers across States and Union Territories.
Prominent Ministers, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah will join from Ahmedabad, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will be present in Nagpur and Smriti Irani in Jhansi.
The scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools, sources said.
“It is also aimed at improving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that the Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains,” they added.
Under PM Vishwakarma scheme, the artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Credit Support up to Rs.1 lakh (First Tranche) and Rs.2 lakh (Second Tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
The Scheme will further provide Skill Upgradation, Toolkit Incentive, Incentive for Digital Transactions and Marketing Support, as per the sources.
The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India. Eighteen traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma.
These trades include Carpenter (Suthar); Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith (Lohar); Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; Locksmith; Goldsmith (Sonar); Potter (Kumhaar); Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker; Cobbler(Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan; Mason (Rajmistri); Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); Barber (Naai); Garland maker (Malakaar); Washerman (Dhobi); Tailor (Darzi); and Fishing Net Maker.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
