NEW DELHI: The 13,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma scheme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day will be launched today. The scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans to 30 lakh artisans in 18 traditional industries at an interest rate of five percent. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the first phase in Delhi, with the goal of improving the quality of traditional products and services and positioning them in the global market.

The plan is outlined as follows

A total of 13,000 crores has been allocated for five years until 2028.

Beneficiaries can register free of charge through public service centers using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

The scheme offers a first installment of 1 lakh and a second installment of 2 lakh at a 5% interest rate.

PM Vishwakarma certificates and identity cards will be issued to the workers.

Skill upgradation, including basic and advanced training, will be provided.

An incentive of 15,000 rupees will be given to purchase equipment.

Digital transactions will be encouraged.

Government support will be provided for marketing manufactured products.

The aims of the scheme

Strengthening the guru-disciple tradition and family-based training of traditional Vishvakarma occupations involving hands and tools.

Improving the quality of products and services produced by artisans and craftsmen, and ensuring both domestic and global markets for them.

The 18 traditional handicraft areas that will benefit from the scheme

Carpentry, boat-making, armour-making, blacksmithing, hammer and tool making, bead-making, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting/stone carving, shoemaking, stonemasonry, basket making, mat making, broom making, rope making, doll and toy making (traditional), barbering, garland making, laundry, tailoring, fishing net making.