India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople are the living custodians of thousands of years of skill, knowledge, and culture. The blacksmith who forges tools, the carpenter who crafts furniture by hand, the potter who shapes clay into art, the cobbler who repairs shoes, the goldsmith who creates intricate jewelry—these workers form the backbone of India’s informal economy and its cultural heritage. Yet for generations, they have been denied access to formal credit, modern tools, and market linkages that could transform their traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023—Vishwakarma Jayanti—was designed to change this reality. This flagship scheme supports traditional artisans and craftsmen by providing them with resources and opportunities to enhance their skills and livelihoods, offering recognition, financial aid, training, and modern tools. Mahi Info
The results have been remarkable. As of May 2026, over 24 lakh artisans have been successfully trained, and the government has disbursed over ₹5,000 crore in loans. MyGovScheme
Table of Contents
What Is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a government scheme launched to support traditional artisans and craftspeople by providing financial assistance, skill training, and market access to enhance their livelihoods. PunjabGovtScheme
The scheme covers 18 trades, including carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, cobblers, potters, masons, barbers, and others who play a vital role in the unorganized economy. By registering under the scheme, artisans receive a digital identity card, skill training, toolkits, and access to concessional credit. Bihar Help
18 Trades Covered Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The 18 trades covered include Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armor Maker, Barbers, Lohar (Blacksmith), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Fishing Net Maker, Sculptor/Stone Carver/Stone Breaker, Cobblers/Shoemakers/Footwear Artisans, Masons, Basket Makers/Basket Weavers/Mat Makers/Coir Weavers/Broom Makers, Doll and Toy Makers (Traditional), Garland Makers, Washermen, and Tailor. HDFC Bank
Complete Benefits Package Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
PM Vishwakarma is designed as a holistic, end-to-end support program—not just a loan scheme. Here is the complete benefits package every registered artisan receives:
1. PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card
Every registered artisan receives an official PM Vishwakarma certificate and a digital ID card—providing formal recognition of their traditional skill and trade. This identity is accepted by banks and government agencies, giving artisans a financial and social identity they previously lacked.
2. Basic and Advanced Skill Training
Beneficiaries receive basic training of 5–7 days (40 hours) with a stipend of ₹500 per day, followed by an optional advanced training of 15 days (120 hours). The training is conducted by government-approved training centers and covers both traditional skills and modern business practices. Mahi Info
3. ₹500 Per Day Training Stipend
During both basic and advanced training, each artisan receives a ₹500 per day stipend—ensuring that the time spent in training does not come at a financial cost to the family.
4. ₹15,000 Toolkit Grant
A financial grant of ₹15,000 is provided to artisans to purchase modern tools and equipment to enhance their productivity. This is given as an e-voucher after completing basic training and can be redeemed with approved tool vendors to buy the specific tools needed for their trade. PunjabGovtScheme
5. Collateral-Free Loan Up to ₹3 Lakh at 5% Interest
This is the most financially transformative benefit. Eligible artisans can avail a loan of up to ₹3 lakh in two phases: a first installment of ₹1 lakh at 5% interest, followed by a second installment of ₹2 lakh after successful repayment of the first loan. The government covers 8% interest, making the loan highly affordable. PunjabGovtScheme
PM Vishwakarma is significantly better than PM Mudra for individual artisans practicing a traditional craft because of the 5% interest rate and the ₹15,000 free toolkit grant. PM Mudra is more suitable for general businesses like shops, transport, or small factories. MyGovScheme
6. Digital Transactions Incentive
Artisans who adopt digital payment tools receive an incentive of ₹1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions per month — encouraging adoption of the cashless economy.
7. Market Linkage Support
Registered Vishwakarma artisans are connected to government e-marketplaces, GeM (Government e-Marketplace), and national and international craft fairs—giving them access to markets far beyond their local village or town.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration. The beneficiary should be actively involved in the relevant trade at the time of registration. They should not have taken any loan under similar credit-based schemes from the central or state government in the last 5 years. Registration can be done by only one member of the family. HDFC Bank
Additional conditions:
- Must be working with hands and tools in one of the 18 specified trades
- Must be a self-employed worker — not a salaried employee
- Government employees and their family members (spouse and unmarried children) are not eligible Mahi Info
- Must not be an income tax payer
How to Register for PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Online Registration (CSC)
Applicants can register through Common Service Centers (CSCs) or Gram Panchayats using Aadhaar and mobile number for authentication. PunjabGovtScheme
The four-step registration process:
- Mobile and Aadhaar Verification—verify your mobile number and Aadhaar for identity confirmation
- Artisan Registration — fill in personal details, trade type, and years of experience
- Skill Assessment — appear for a basic skill test to confirm your trade
- Benefits Disbursement—once verified, receive your PM Vishwakarma ID card and begin training
Through the Official Portal
Visit pmvishwakarma.gov.in, register with your Aadhaar number, fill in details about your trade and family, and submit your application for verification.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card (mandatory)
- Bank account passbook (for loan and toolkit e-voucher disbursement)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of trade/craft (tools, workshop photos, or local verification)
- Caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST benefits)
PM Vishwakarma vs PM Mudra — Which Is Better for Artisans?
| Feature | PM Vishwakarma | PM Mudra |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Traditional hand-tool artisans | Any small business |
| Loan limit | ₹3 lakh | ₹20 lakh |
| Interest rate | 5% (subsidised) | ~8.85% (market rate) |
| Toolkit grant | ₹15,000 (free) | Not available |
| Training stipend | ₹500/day | Not available |
| ID card | Yes (formal recognition) | No |
| Best for | Carpenters, potters, tailors, cobblers, etc. | Shops, transport, restaurants, etc. |
Impact of PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- Over 24 lakh artisans have been successfully trained, and over ₹5,000 crore in loans disbursed as of May 2026 MyGovScheme
- New AI-tool training modules, digital marketing support, and state-wise performance rankings have been introduced in 2026 updates MyGovScheme
- Millions of artisans from SC/ST communities—who dominate traditional crafts—have received formal recognition and credit access for the first time
- The scheme has helped artisans move from survival to growth with access to modern tools and larger markets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can a woman artisan apply for PM Vishwakarma?
Yes. Women practicing any of the 18 specified trades are fully eligible and encouraged to register.
Q2. Is the ₹15,000 toolkit grant a loan or a grant?
It is a free grant — not a loan. It is given as an e-voucher after completing basic training and does not need to be repaid.
Q3. Can a goldsmith who also runs a small shop apply?
Yes, as long as their primary trade is goldsmithing (one of the 18 specified trades) and they are working with hands and tools.
Q4. What if the artisan’s trade is not in the 18 listed?
Only the 18 specified trades are covered under PM Vishwakarma. Artisans in other trades can explore PM Mudra Yojana or PM Vishwakarma Yojana for support.
Q5. What is the official website?
pmvishwakarma.gov.in
Conclusion
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is India’s most comprehensive and respectful acknowledgment of the artisans and craftspeople who have kept its traditional skills alive for centuries. By giving them formal identity through the Vishwakarma certificate, modern tools through the ₹15,000 grant, free skill training with a ₹500/day stipend, and a ₹3 lakh loan at just 5% interest, the scheme has created a genuine pathway from traditional craft to sustainable livelihood. With 24 lakh artisans already trained and ₹5,000
crore in loans disbursed, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is delivering on its promise to make India’s craftspeople not just survivors but thriving entrepreneurs. If you or anyone in your family works in any of the 18 traditional trades, register at pmvishwakarma.gov.in today and claim every benefit you deserve.
Rohanshi Mhatre aims to bridge the gap between government initiatives and citizens by delivering clear, reliable, and easy-to-follow information so that everyone can take advantage of available schemes.
