PM Vishwakarma Yojana — Artisan & Craftsperson Support in West Bengal
Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India
📋 Scheme Overview
PM Vishwakarma Yojana recognises and supports traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands using traditional tools — from weavers and potters to blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, and Kantha embroidery artists. West Bengal's rich craft heritage (Dokra, Terracotta, Kantha stitch, Conch shell craft, and Bamboo work) makes this scheme especially impactful. Beneficiaries get skill training, a PM Vishwakarma Certificate, toolkit support, and collateral-free loans.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Artisans and craftspeople working in one of 18 traditional trades
- Must work with hands and tools in a self-employed, unorganised capacity
- 18 eligible trades include: Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer & Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Cobbler, Mason, Basket/Mat Weaver, Doll/Toy Maker, Barber, Garland Maker, Washerman, Tailor, Fishing Net Maker
- Not a government employee or income taxpayer
- Minimum age 18 years
🎁 Benefits & Features
- PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card for formal recognition
- Skill training: 5-day basic + 15-day advanced free training with ₹500/day stipend
- Free modern toolkit worth up to ₹15,000 via e-voucher
- Collateral-free loan: ₹1 lakh (1st tranche) at 5% interest, then ₹2 lakh (2nd tranche)
- Digital payment onboarding support and incentives
- Market linkage support through exhibitions and e-commerce platforms
📝 How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit pmvishwakarma.gov.in or nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) in West Bengal
- Register with Aadhaar-based biometric authentication via CSC
- Select your traditional trade from the list of 18 eligible crafts
- Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body verifies your craft credentials
- Upon approval, you receive the PM Vishwakarma digital certificate and ID card
- Enrol for skill training at your nearest training centre (MSME Technology Centre or ITI)
- After training, apply for toolkit grant via the portal
- Apply for collateral-free loan through your nearest bank after toolkit stage
📄 Documents Required
- 📎Aadhaar card (biometric authentication mandatory)
- 📎Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- 📎Bank account passbook
- 📎Proof of craft/trade (self-declaration or recommendation from Gram Panchayat)
- 📎Caste certificate (optional, for priority)
Ready to Apply?
🏛 Visit Official Portal ↗ Visit the official portal to begin your application.