Lok Sabha Question No. 1082 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-08
Subject: Development of Traditional Artisans and Craftsmen
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Ramesh Bidhuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1082 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.02.2024

## DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL ARTISANS AND CRAFTSMEN

## 1082. SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps for development and promotion of traditional artisans and craftsmen, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers and barbers etc.;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any scheme has been launched for the benefit of skilled workers; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA)

(a) to (d): The  Government  has  launched  PM  Vishwakarma  Scheme  on  17.09.2023  to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades viz. (i) Carpenter(Suthar/Badhai); (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith (Lohar); (v) Hammer and  Tool  Kit  Maker;  (vi)  Locksmith;  (vii)  Goldsmith  (Sonar);  (viii)  Potter  (Kumhaar);  (ix) Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan; (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/ Mat/ Broom Maker/ Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker  (Traditional);  (xiv)  Barber  (Naai);  (xv)  Garland  maker  (Malakaar);  (xvi)  Washerman (Dhobi); (xvii) Tailor (Darzi); and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker.

The benefits of the Scheme include the following:

- (i) Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM  Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
- (ii) Skill Upgradation: Basic training of 5-7 days and advanced training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
- (iii) Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 through e-vouchers.
- (iv) Credit Support: Collateral free 'Enterprise Development Loans' of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches  of  Rs.  1  lakh  and  Rs.  2  lakh  with  tenures  of  18  months  and  30  months, respectively,  at  a  concessional  rate  of  interest  fixed  at  5%,  with  Government  of  India subvention to the extent of 8%. Beneficiaries who have completed basic training will be eligible  to  avail  the  first  tranche  of  credit  support  of  upto  Rs.  1  lakh.  The  second  loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed the first tranche and maintained a  standard  loan  account  and  have  adopted  digital  transactions  in  their  business  or  have undergone advanced training.
- (v) Incentive for Digital Transaction: An amount of one rupee per eligible digital transaction, upto maximum 100 eligible transactions monthly will be provided to the beneficiary for digital pay-out or receipt.
- (vi) Marketing  Support:  Marketing  support  in  the  form  of  quality  certification,  branding, onboarding  on  e-commerce  platforms  such  as  GeM,  advertising,  publicity  and  other marketing activities to improve linkage to value chain.