Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the PM Vishwakarma scheme on Vishwakarma Jayanti, a Hindu mythological figure celebrated as the divine architect. This fully-funded scheme, with a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, aims to support traditional artisans and craftsmen, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, and more. It offers subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh, improving the quality and reach of their products and services. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) oversees the scheme, with active support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Eligible rural and urban artisans will receive training, toolkits, credit support, and marketing assistance to enhance their skills and livelihoods.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Vishwakarma Jayanti: A Hindu festival celebrating Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the gods.
- Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME): The government department responsible for promoting and regulating small and medium-sized businesses in India.
- Common Services Centres (CSC): Service delivery points for government and private sector services to rural citizens in India.
- Biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal: A digital platform for registering and providing support to Vishwakarma workers, utilizing biometric data for authentication and recognition.
