“Vishwakarma” or “the God Architect” is considered as the greatest of the great architects in Indian society. The Hindu Lord has been worshiped since ancient times by people from various trades where construction, mechanical and architecture is involved. It was only apt for the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to name a scheme designed to benefit the humble creators of our society after Lord Vishwakarma.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was first announced in the budget for the current year 2023, with the aim of providing holistic support to craftspeople in India. It was formally launched on 17th September. It is a Central Sector Scheme with six clear provisions namely; (i) Recognition of artisans/craftspeople using PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card; (ii) Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day; (iii) Basic Skill Training with a toolkit incentive of up to Rs. 15,000; (iv) Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ up to 3 lakh Rupees at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%; (v) Incentives for Digital Transactions and (vi) Marketing Support including support for selling on e-commerce sites. In addition, these Vishwakarma beneficiaries will be onboarded as entrepreneurs on the Udyam Assist Platform which will introduce them to the MSME ecosystem.
At the time of writing, more than 1 lakh applicants have already applied for benefits under the scheme, which is impressive as the scheme is yet to complete a fortnight since launching. After application, there will be three stages of verification before the beneficiaries are determined. It involves verifications at Gram Panchayat/Urban Local Bodies in Stage-1, District Implementation Committee in Stage-2, and Screening committee in Stage-3.
In the first stage, the scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades; (i) Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai); (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith (Lohar); (v) Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; (vi) Locksmith; (vii) Goldsmith (Sonar); (viii) Potter (Kumhaar); (ix) Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan; (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); (xiv) Barber (Naai); (xv) Garland maker (Malakaar); (xvi) Washerman (Dhobi); (xvii) Tailor (Darzi); and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker. The outlay of Rs 13,000-15,000 crore has been dedicated to the scheme under the Ministry of MSMEs. Keeping this in mind, the Reserve Bank of India has included PM Viswakarma initiative within the ambit of Payments Infrastructure Development Fund which is expressly designed to cater to J&K, Ladakh and North-Eastern States. These tribal and Himalayan states have a high diversity of artisan workers who will benefit from the scheme.
In a webinar in March 2023, PM Modi discussing the Vishwakarma initiative had said, “Our aim is that Vishwakarmas of today can become entrepreneurs of tomorrow. For this, sustainability is essential in their business model.” A study done in 2018 showed that the artisan economy in India is directly and indirectly affecting above 200 million people; and it is the second largest employment generating sector in India. The research showed above 20 million people in India were engaged in the handicraft industry alone. Since historical times, the handicraft industry was much valued in Indian society. Kings gave patronage to all kinds of traditional artisans, and this led to a flourishing industry in India. With the advent of British rule, the artisan industry collapsed completely due to loss of patronage of the rulers as well as the general impoverishment of the people of the land. Yet, the cultural and historical nature of India kept many traditional craft forms alive and with the effort of pioneers, many of them have been revived. With mass consumerism and changing socio-economic conditions of India, it is only potent that the beautiful craft industry is supported to adapt to the globalised and competitive market. The initiative adds to a long list of schemes including the Skill India programme that have been launched by the Government of India to boost the micro industry in the country. It stands as a testament to the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan of Mahatma Gandhi who envisaged self-sufficient villages in the country.
Reviving the handicraft industry is also important because it serves the rural mass of the country and adds shine to the cultural heritage of India. Just like other developing countries, helping provide affordable and cheap finance to entrepreneurs is both a responsibility and a challenge. However, a flourishing artisan industry can bring massive boons to the economy as well. The sale of handicraft goods including textiles is a major export of India. It will grow by leaps and bounds as India is set to attract more tourists in the coming decade.
