Government to offer upto 8 percent subsidy for loans given to artisans under Vishwakarma Yojana

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will offer up to 8 per cent subsidy for loans given to artisans under the PM Vishwakarma scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. Ms Sitharaman, during the launch event of the scheme, said the government has already made a provision of 13,000 crore rupees in the Budget 2023-24.

Sharing the details of PM Vishwakarma scheme, the finance minister said collateral-free loans to artisans would be provided at a very affordable interest rate of 5 per cent. The scheme covers 18 activities including carpenter, goldsmith, blacksmith, mason, stone sculpture, barber and boatmakers. The government will provide up to 3 lakh rupees loan. She said, one lakh rupees loan will be given and the beneficiary would be eligible for an additional two lakh rupees after a repayment schedule of 18



months. 

Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi launched the scheme at the International Convention and Expo Centre, Yashobhoomi, in New Delhi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, the scheme is a ray of hope for lakhs of artisans and craftspeople who work with hands and tools.

The prime focus of the Vishwakarma scheme is to improve the quality as well as the reach of products and services and to ensure that they are integrated with the domestic and global value chains. The aim of the scheme is to not only support the artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across the country financially but also to keep the age-old tradition, culture and diverse heritage alive and flourishing through local products, art, and crafts.