The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana has been implemented in West Bengal to provide financial and skill-related support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in traditional professions. The scheme aims to assist these artisans through skill development, training, the use of modern tools, and market linkages. Consequently, individuals involved in traditional trades can enhance their work and gain opportunities to increase their income.
In West Bengal, female artisans associated with 18 specific traditional trades can avail the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, provided they meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria. Under this scheme, eligible artisans receive various benefits, such as skill development training, necessary tools, and loan assistance. The objective is to enhance the artisans’ skills and create opportunities for them to advance their respective trades more effectively.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana West Bengal
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana is a scheme launched on September 17, 2023, through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. This scheme provides various forms of assistance to artisans and craftspeople engaged in diverse local and traditional professions across the country. Through this initiative, the government offers benefits such as skill-enhancement training, essential toolkits, and collateral-free loans. Consequently, these artisans and craftspeople gain the opportunity to improve their work and increase their earnings within their respective trades.
This scheme is now being officially launched by the Government of West Bengal to assist all female artisans across the state. Upon its launch, a total of 7.79 lakh traditional artisans already registered in the state are set to benefit from the scheme.
| Scheme Information | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Vishwakarma Yojana |
| Ministry Behind the Scheme | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) |
| Government | Government of India |
| West Bengal Update | The scheme is now being implemented in West Bengal |
| Main Beneficiaries | Women artisans working in the state |
| Support Under the Scheme | Different types of support and benefits |
| Application Method | Apply through the nearest CSC Centre |
Govt distributed the following Benefits
- Collateral-Free Loan: Artisans registered under this scheme are eligible to avail collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh.
- Skill Training: The government will arrange training to enhance the artisans’ skills. This includes 5 to 7 days of basic training and 15 days of advanced training. A stipend of ₹500 is provided to each beneficiary during the training period.
- Modern Tool Kits: Upon completing the basic training, eligible beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 via a digital voucher to purchase modern tool kits.
- Certificate and ID Card: Through the scheme, artisans are provided with a PM Vishwakarma Scheme certificate and an official ID card for identification and recognition.
Traditional Trades Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
| No. | Artisan Trade | No. | Artisan Trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carpenter | 10 | Cobbler |
| 2 | Boat Maker | 11 | Mason |
| 3 | Armourer | 12 | Basket Maker |
| 4 | Metal Artisan | 13 | Traditional Toy Maker |
| 5 | Tool Kit Maker | 14 | Barber |
| 6 | Locksmith | 15 | Garland Maker |
| 7 | Goldsmith | 16 | Washerman |
| 8 | Potter | 17 | Tailor |
| 9 | Stone Worker / Sculptor | 18 | Fishing Net Maker |
Eligibility For Artisans
- Artisans from West Bengal must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Artisans must perform work using their hands and various tools, and must be engaged in one of the 18 professions covered under this scheme.
- The applicant must be associated with the unorganized sector and carry out the work through their own initiative or self-employment.
- Only one member per family who meets the aforementioned eligibility criteria may apply for the benefits of this scheme.
- Individuals employed by the State or Central Government are not eligible to apply for this scheme.
Know Checklist
- Beneficiaries will need their Aadhaar card for biometric verification, and it can also serve as proof of identity.
- The mobile number linked to the Aadhaar card will be required for OTP verification during registration.
- To receive financial benefits—such as the stipend and tool kit—during training, a bank account number must be provided for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- A photocopy of the ration card must be submitted to verify family details.
- Proof of address in West Bengal is required.
- A certificate from the relevant category must be submitted to avail of reservation benefits applicable to that category.
How to Get Benefits Under PM Vishwakarma Scheme West Bengal?
To avail the benefits of this newly launched scheme, one must first complete the application process. Subsequently, an application for the scheme must be submitted in accordance with the prescribed rules.
- First, visit the official website of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana at pmvishwakarma.gov.in. Then, you need to apply through the Common Service Centre (CSC) in your area.
- Next, click on the ‘Login’ option and select ‘CSC Login’.
- Then, log in using the CSC Centre’s login credentials.
- After that, CSC Centre officials will register the artisan using the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card and verify it via OTP.
- Subsequently, CSC Centre officials will complete the Aadhaar authentication using biometrics.
- Once Aadhaar authentication is complete, fill out the registration form with personal details and category information.
- Next, provide contact details, including an active mobile number, Aadhaar card number, and PAN card number.
- Submit address details and other family information as per the ration card.
- Then, provide all information regarding the applicant’s trade or profession.
- After that, fill in bank account details such as the account number, bank branch name, and IFSC code.
- Finally, upload the necessary documents from the checklist, carefully review all the information in the form, and submit it.
Verification Process
- Applicants are verified to ensure that only genuine individuals receive the benefits of this scheme; for this purpose, the government follows a specific verification process.
- The verification of beneficiaries is carried out at the Gram Panchayat level in rural areas and at the Urban Local Body level in urban areas.
- Subsequently, final approval is granted by a screening committee at the central level.
FAQs
It is a central government scheme that provides various forms of assistance to local artisans and craftspeople. Currently, this scheme is being implemented in West Bengal as well.
In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries receive support through various other means and facilities.
No, you must be present in person to apply, as biometric authentication is required during registration.