India's artisans — the carpenter, blacksmith, potter, cobbler, weaver, goldsmith — have practised inherited crafts for centuries, but many worked outside formal support, without cheap credit, updated skills or market links. Launched on 17 September 2023 by the Ministry of MSME, PM Vishwakarma is named after Vishwakarma, the divine craftsman of Indian tradition.
PM Vishwakarma · Artisans
PM Vishwakarma · Artisans
PM Vishwakarma, launched on 17 September 2023, gives India's traditional artisans — carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, weavers, goldsmiths and 13 more trades — modern support: skilling, a toolkit grant, cheap collateral-free credit and market access. The counter shows artisans registering under the scheme (illustrative).
18
Traditional trades
Rs 13,000 cr
Scheme outlay (to 2028)
30 lakh
Artisan families (target)
Traditional crafts covered
| Year | Artisans registered |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 lakh |
| 2024 | 24 lakh |
| 2025 | 28 lakh |
| 2026 | 30 lakh |
2023
0lakh
Artisans registered
20232026
Since 2023
Added
+25 lakh
2023
5 lakh
2026
30 lakh
Why it matters Millions of Indians earn a living with their hands, in crafts passed down for generations — but often without training updates, capital or a way to reach customers. PM Vishwakarma tries to bring these 'Vishwakarmas' (after the divine craftsman) into the formal economy without erasing their craft.
- PM Vishwakarma launched on 17 September 2023, run by the Ministry of MSME.
- It covers 18 traditional trades and targets over 30 lakh (3 million) artisan families.
- It has a Rs 13,000 crore outlay across 2023-24 to 2027-28.
- Benefits include skilling with a stipend, a toolkit incentive and collateral-free credit.
History
Notable milestone
The scheme covers 18 traditional trades and targets over 30 lakh (3 million) artisan families, with a Rs 13,000 crore outlay to 2027-28. Uptake was heavy from the start: over 2 crore applications were submitted in its first year, with lakhs registered after verification.
How it works
A registered artisan gets skill training with a Rs 500-a-day stipend, a Rs 15,000 toolkit incentive, a certificate and ID, and collateral-free credit — Rs 1 lakh first, then up to Rs 2 lakh — at a subsidised 5% interest. Digital and marketing support helps them reach buyers, including on e-commerce.
Outlook
The bet is that a small package — a better toolkit, a short course, a first loan and a market link — can lift a traditional craftsperson's income without pulling them off their craft. It complements existing MSME and Mudra credit, aimed squarely at the hand-and-tool worker often missed by formal schemes.
The road ahead
The hard part is turning registrations into lasting livelihoods — making sure the credit is actually used well, the skilling stays relevant, and products find durable markets rather than a one-off sale. Some states have questioned the scheme's design, and its real measure will be whether artisans' incomes rise years later.
By the numbers
18 traditional trades covered. 30 lakh+ artisan families targeted. Rs 13,000 crore outlay (2023-24 to 2027-28). Rs 15,000 toolkit incentive; 5% collateral-free credit. Launched 17 September 2023. Sources: Ministry of MSME, PIB.
Source: Ministry of MSME — PM Vishwakarma registered artisans, 2023→2026. Curve illustrative.