PM Vishwakarma Scheme Completes Three Years: 30 Lakh Artisans Registered, 24.50 Lakh Receive Skill Training
The achievements of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme were shared at a ceremony held in Kolkata marking the scheme's third anniversary, highlighting the registration of 30 lakh beneficiaries.
The Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) organized the third anniversary celebration of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at the Dhan-Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata. The event focused on the government's efforts to empower the livelihoods, skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople.
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Jitan Ram Manjhi, stated that since the launch of the scheme on September 17, 2023, 30 lakh beneficiaries have been registered. Out of these, approximately 24.50 lakh people have been provided with basic skill training. Additionally, 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been distributed through India Post. Furthermore, 6.18 lakh beneficiaries have received loans of up to 1 lakh rupees at a concessional interest rate of 5 percent per annum, amounting to a total of 5,297 crore rupees.
The West Bengal government decided to implement this scheme in May 2026. Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari noted that more than 7 lakh applications have been received in West Bengal under this scheme. He assured the timely and effective implementation of the scheme in the state with the cooperation of the Central Government and called upon the concerned agencies to ensure benefits reach eligible artisans.
Union Minister of State for MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, emphasized the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, stating that it is the key to building a prosperous India. She encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the opportunities provided by the scheme to become successful entrepreneurs. West Bengal's MSME and Textiles Minister, Deepak Burman, described the initiative as transformative for traditional artisans, guiding them toward sustainable livelihoods.
During the ceremony, Bharat Khera, Secretary of the Union MSME Ministry, and Dr. Rajnish, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, presented the achievements and future roadmap of the scheme. On this occasion, PM Vishwakarma IDs/certificates, toolkits, and checks of one lakh rupees each were distributed to artisans from West Bengal. The event was attended by West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary Anup Kumar Agarwal, senior officials from various departments, and over 2,000 Vishwakarmas.
