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PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Last updated on September 18th, 2023 Posted on September 18, 2023 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  2526

Syllabus: GS-2/Governance, GS-3/Economy

Context 

  • Recently, the Prime Minister  has launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

  • About: 
    • It is announced to give financial assistance to workers engaged in traditional crafts and skills.
    • It is launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja and is fully funded by the Union Government.
    • Eligibility: Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under this-Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer, Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Stone breaker, Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan), Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber, Garland maker,  Washerman, Tailor; and Fishing Net Maker.
    • Registration will be done hrough biometric based PM Vishwakarma portal.
  • Aim & Significance:
    • To strengthen the Guru shishya parampara or family based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.
    • To improve the quality as well as reach of the products and services of artisans and craftspeople.
    • To provide financial stability to those who make a living in these professions. 
    • To provide skill training, loan assistance, incentives for digital transactions, incentives for purchase of equipment and support for marketing business
  • Benefits under this Scheme:
    • Loan will be provided in two phases:
      • In First Phase, loan up to Rs 1,00,000 with Interest rate of 5% will be provided.
      • In Second Phase, loan up to Rs 2,00,000 with Interest rate of 5
        % will be provided.
    • PM Vishwakarma Certificate and Identity card will be provided.
    • Stipend of Rs 500 will be provided for skill training.
    • Amount  of Rs 1500 will be provided to purchase modern tools.
    • Toolkit will be provided to aid the knowledge of workers.
About Vishwakarma Pooja

– It is celebrated in India to honor Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of the universe.
– He is believed to have constructed the celestial abodes, weapons, vehicles of Gods and Goddesses.
– He was the architect of the mythical city Lanka mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana and is also said to have made the great image of Jagannatha at Puri in Odisha.
– It is an occasion to seek Lord Vishwakarm’s blessings for skill, creativity and success in their respective fields.
– Celebration:
1. People clean their workplaces, factories and machinery.
2. Idols and images of Lord Vishwakarma are cleaned and adorned with flowers, and chant vedic hymns.
3. Artisans present their latest creations on this day.

Source: IE

 
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