During Vishwakarma Jayanti, MSME Minister Mr. Narayan Rane announced the upcoming Vishwakarma Yojana by the central government. This scheme aims to provide support to artisans and craftsmen involved in traditional industries falling under the MSME sector. Scheduled for launch on September 17, Vishwakarma Jayanti this year, the initiative is intended to empower these traditional industries.
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, highlighted the Vishwakarma Yojana’s launch to benefit individuals skilled in traditional crafts, particularly from the OBC community. The scheme, backed by an allocation of around Rs. 13,000-15,000 crore (US$ 1.56-1.80 billion), will aid weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, barbers, and similar families.
The scheme was introduced in this year’s budget to assist traditional craftsmen in enhancing their product quality, scope, and market reach, as well as integrating them into the MSME value chain.
Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech, elaborated on the scheme’s components, including provisions for advanced skill training, exposure to modern digital techniques, knowledge of efficient green technologies, brand promotion, links to local and global markets, digital payment solutions, and social security. Aligning these individuals with industry needs can enhance productivity and provide them with industry-oriented training and skills.
Significantly, the government established an e-commerce platform, Indiahandmade.com, in April this year, enabling craftsmen and weavers to directly sell their handloom and handicraft products to customers without intermediaries. The textile ministry’s statement mentioned that the platform facilitates the sale of goods crafted by over 27 million handicraft artists and 35 lakh handloom weavers. The website showcases a range of handcrafted items including clothing, home decor, jewelry, and accessories, all made by skilled craftsmen.
