PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Empowering Artisans and Craftspeople in India
PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to uplift artisans and craftspeople across India.
Photo by Surya Prakash
Key Facts
Registered Vishwakarmas: 30 lakh
Skilled Vishwakarmas: 23 lakh
Loan approved: Over ₹4,600 crore
Toolkits delivered: 12 lakh
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy - Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment
Potential question types: Analyzing the impact of government schemes on traditional industries and employment generation
Visual Insights
PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Key Achievements (January 2026)
Key statistics highlighting the impact of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme as of January 2026.
- Vishwakarmas Registered
- 30 Lakh
- Vishwakarmas Skilled
- 23 Lakh
- Loans Approved
- ₹4,600 Crore
- Vishwakarmas Receiving Loan Approvals
- 5.3 Lakh
- Toolkits Delivered
- 12 Lakh
Reflects the scheme's reach and acceptance among artisans and craftspeople.
Indicates the progress in skill enhancement and training under the scheme.
Shows the financial assistance provided to Vishwakarmas to support their businesses.
Number of individuals directly benefiting from the scheme's financial provisions.
Provision of modern tools enhances productivity and efficiency.
More Information
Background
The concept of supporting artisans and craftspeople in India has deep historical roots. Historically, royal patronage played a significant role in fostering crafts, with artisans often attached to royal courts. During the Mughal era, 'karkhanas' or workshops were established to produce exquisite crafts.
The British colonial period saw a decline in traditional crafts due to industrialization and competition from machine-made goods. Post-independence, the Indian government recognized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts through various initiatives, including the establishment of institutions like the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in 1956. These efforts aimed to provide artisans with financial assistance, training, and marketing support, laying the foundation for schemes like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on integrating traditional crafts with modern technology and market demands. E-commerce platforms and digital marketing have opened new avenues for artisans to reach wider audiences. Government initiatives like the 'Make in India' campaign have also emphasized the importance of promoting indigenous industries, including handicrafts.
The focus is shifting towards skill upgradation, design innovation, and sustainable practices. There's also a growing emphasis on Geographical Indication (GI) tagging to protect the unique identity of regional crafts. Future outlook involves leveraging technology for better market access, financial inclusion, and skill development for artisans, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main objective of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to enhance the skills of artisans and craftspeople in India, providing them with support for market linkage, digital transactions, packaging, and branding.
2. What are the key facts and figures about the PM Vishwakarma Scheme that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
Key facts include the registration of 30 lakh Vishwakarmas, skilling of 23 lakh, approval of loans worth over ₹4,600 crore, and delivery of 12 lakh toolkits. Remember these numbers for potential MCQs.
Exam Tip
Focus on memorizing the numerical data related to beneficiaries and financial outlays.
3. What kind of support is provided to Vishwakarmas under the scheme beyond financial assistance?
Beyond loans, the scheme provides training for packaging, branding, support for market linkage, and assistance with digital transactions. This holistic approach aims to make them self-reliant.
4. Why is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in the news recently?
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is in the news due to the celebration of the scheme from January 18th to 31st, 2026, at Dilli Haat, highlighting its achievements and impact.
5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
The scheme aims to empower artisans, but potential drawbacks could include implementation challenges, ensuring equitable access, and preventing misuse of funds. Benefits include skill enhancement and economic upliftment.
6. What is the historical context of government support for artisans and craftspeople in India?
Historically, royal patronage played a significant role, with artisans attached to royal courts. The Mughal era saw the establishment of 'karkhanas'. The British period led to a decline due to industrialization.
7. What recent developments have influenced the focus on traditional crafts in India?
Recent developments include integrating crafts with technology, e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and government initiatives like 'Make in India'.
8. What reforms are needed to improve the effectiveness of schemes like PM Vishwakarma?
Reforms could focus on better targeting of beneficiaries, streamlined loan disbursement processes, enhanced skill development programs, and robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent corruption and ensure effective implementation.
9. What are the important dates associated with the PM Vishwakarma Scheme that one should remember for the exam?
The celebration of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at Dilli Haat from January 18-31, 2026, is a key date to remember.
10. How does the PM Vishwakarma Scheme impact common citizens?
The scheme aims to empower local artisans and craftspeople, potentially leading to increased availability of traditional goods, preservation of cultural heritage, and economic growth at the grassroots level.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM Vishwakarma Scheme: 1. The scheme aims to integrate artisans and craftspeople into the global value chain. 2. It provides financial assistance for skill upgradation and procurement of modern tools. 3. The scheme focuses exclusively on urban artisans and excludes those in rural areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to integrate artisans into the value chain and provides financial assistance. Statement 3 is incorrect as the scheme covers both urban and rural artisans.
2. With reference to the historical context of artisan support in India, consider the following: 1. 'Karkhanas' during the Mughal period were primarily centers for agricultural production. 2. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) was established before independence to promote rural industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: D
Both statements are incorrect. 'Karkhanas' were centers for craft production, not agriculture. KVIC was established in 1956, after independence.
3. Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
- A.Skill upgradation of artisans
- B.Providing financial assistance for toolkits
- C.Promoting digital transactions among artisans
- D.Establishing large-scale manufacturing units
Show Answer
Answer: D
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme focuses on skill upgradation, financial assistance for toolkits, and promoting digital transactions. It does not aim to establish large-scale manufacturing units.