Two Years of PM Vishwakarma Scheme: 30 Lakh Artisans Empowered on PM Modi’s Birthday Legacy

Every year, September 17 is marked by celebrations across India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. But in 2023, the day acquired another historic dimension. On his 73rd birthday, Modi launched the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, a flagship programme aimed at uplifting India’s traditional artisans and craftsmen.

Two years later, on his 75th birthday, the numbers reflect the scale of change the initiative has triggered. According to government data, nearly 30 lakh artisans have registered under the scheme, and over 4.7 lakh loans worth ₹41,188 crore have been sanctioned. For many small artisans, who for decades struggled on the margins without access to credit or recognition, this has been nothing short of a turning point.

A Birthday Gift to the Nation’s Craftsmen

When the scheme was launched on September 17, 2023, it was positioned as more than just another government programme. It was projected as a birthday gift from the Prime Minister to India’s artisans—the silent carriers of centuries-old traditions. These are the weavers, masons, carpenters, potters, metal workers, and craftsmen whose skills often stay confined to local markets, rarely reaching the recognition or rewards they deserve.

The Vishwakarma Scheme sought to change that. With a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28, the government promised not just monetary support, but an end-to-end ecosystem—training, modern tools, brand building, and even global market access.

Progress in Two Years

Two years on, the government’s progress report tells a compelling story:

• 30 lakh artisans and craftsmen registered under the scheme so far.

• 4.7 lakh loans sanctioned, amounting to ₹41,188 crore.

• 26 lakh beneficiaries completed skill verification, out of which 86% have already completed their basic training.

• Raajmistri (mason) is currently the most registered trade, reflecting India’s construction-led economic growth.

• 23 lakh e-vouchers issued as toolkit incentives, helping artisans adopt modern tools and improve productivity.

• District Project Management Units (DPMUs) set up in 497 locations across 618 districts, ensuring smooth awareness campaigns, training schedules, and compliance monitoring.

A Push for Inclusivity

The government has emphasised that this scheme is not just about numbers but about inclusive development. Women artisans, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, and those living in the North-East, hilly terrains, and islands have been given special focus.

By ensuring marginalised communities are at the centre of this mission, the scheme also strengthens Modi’s broader governance theme of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Tradition Meets Modernity

The core of the scheme lies in balancing heritage with modernisation. India’s artisans—some carrying on family traditions for generations—are being provided with training, modern toolkits, and access to credit without collateral.

For instance, the introduction of digital e-vouchers for toolkits is not just an administrative reform but a cultural shift. It pushes even the smallest artisan towards digital adoption, creating transparency and ease while connecting them to larger supply chains.

Global Market Ambition

A recurring theme in the PM’s speeches has been to make India’s craftsmen global brands. The Vishwakarma Scheme is structured to achieve exactly that. By bringing artisans under a single umbrella, ensuring product quality, and giving them a platform for brand promotion, the government hopes to connect them to global markets. This is not just about survival but about creating sustainable growth and recognition for Indian craftsmanship worldwide.

Marking the scheme’s two-year anniversary on Modi’s 75th birthday adds symbolic weight to the achievements. For the Prime Minister, who often speaks of combining India’s ancient traditions with its modern aspirations, the Vishwakarma Scheme represents that philosophy in action.

It is also a reminder that India’s growth story is not just about large corporates and startups, but also about empowering small artisans who form the backbone of its cultural and economic identity.

The Vishwakarma Scheme is still in its early years of rollout, but its two-year journey shows promise. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the momentum continues—that more artisans get trained, loans are disbursed smoothly, and markets are expanded beyond local geographies.

As India celebrates Prime Minister Modi’s birthday today, the story of the Vishwakarma Scheme stands as a testament to how a vision announced on a symbolic day can gradually transform into a mass movement for dignity, livelihood, and cultural pride.