The Government has approved PM Vishwakarma scheme to support traditional artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban India with a financial outlay of 13 thousand crore rupees. The new Central Sector Scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved the Scheme for a period of five years.
 
Briefing reporters in New Delhi after the Union Cabinet meeting, Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, eighteen traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under the scheme. They include Carpenters, Boat makers, Sonar, Rajmistri, Toymaker, Lohar, and potters. He said, the scheme will provide skill upgradation, Toolkit incentive, incentive for digital transactions, and marketing support. Mr Vaishnaw said, under this scheme, loans up to one lakh rupees will be provided at a concessional interest rate of five percent. The Minister said, more than 30 lakh families will be benefited from this scheme.
  
Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, the artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.