PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a central government scheme that supports traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. Launched on 17 September 2023, the scheme offers recognition, skill training with a stipend, a toolkit incentive, collateral-free credit at a concessional interest rate, and support for digital transactions and marketing. In Kerala, thousands of carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, tailors, barbers, masons, boat makers, coir and basket weavers and other artisans can benefit from it.
This guide explains the 18 eligible trades, eligibility conditions, benefits in detail, the PM Vishwakarma loan structure, step-by-step PM Vishwakarma registration through Common Service Centres (Akshaya centres in Kerala), documents, verification process and tips for making the most of the scheme.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana – Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 17 September 2023 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) |
| Beneficiaries | Artisans and craftspeople in 18 traditional trades |
| Recognition | PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card |
| Skill training | Basic training of 5–7 days with ₹500 per day stipend; advanced training optional |
| Toolkit incentive | Up to ₹15,000 through e-vouchers |
| Credit support | Collateral-free loans of ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh in two tranches at 5% concessional interest |
| Digital incentive | ₹1 per eligible digital transaction, up to 100 transactions a month |
| Registration | Through Common Service Centres using biometric authentication |
| Portal | pmvishwakarma.gov.in |
Why the Vishwakarma Scheme Matters
Traditional artisans form the backbone of many local economies, but they often work with outdated tools, have limited access to formal credit and struggle to compete with factory-made products. Many depend on informal moneylenders at high interest rates, and younger generations sometimes leave family trades because incomes are low. The Vishwakarma scheme tries to change this by combining recognition, modern skills, better tools, affordable credit and market access in one package.
For Kerala, where traditional crafts such as boat building, bell metal work, coir products, wood carving, pottery and goldsmithy are part of the state’s identity, the scheme offers a chance to revive and modernise these trades while improving the incomes of artisan families.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is implemented across India, and Kerala artisans can access it through the same national portal and CSC network.
18 Trades Covered Under the Vishwakarma Scheme
| Eligible Trades | |
|---|---|
| Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai) | Boat maker |
| Armourer | Blacksmith (Lohar) |
| Hammer and tool kit maker | Locksmith |
| Goldsmith (Sonar) | Potter (Kumhaar) |
| Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), stone breaker | Cobbler (Charmkar) / shoesmith / footwear artisan |
| Mason (Rajmistri) | Basket / mat / broom maker / coir weaver |
| Doll and toy maker (traditional) | Barber (Naai) |
| Garland maker (Malakaar) | Washerman (Dhobi) |
| Tailor (Darzi) | Fishing net maker |
Many of these trades are common in Kerala, including boat makers in coastal districts, coir and mat weavers in Alappuzha and Kollam, goldsmiths in Thrissur, and carpenters and masons across the state.
Eligibility for PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- The applicant must be an artisan or craftsperson working with hands and tools in one of the 18 trades, in the unorganised sector, on a self-employed basis.
- Minimum age of 18 years on the date of registration.
- The applicant should be engaged in the trade on the date of registration.
- The applicant should not have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes of the central or state government for self-employment or business development, such as PMEGP, PM SVANidhi or MUDRA, in the past five years, except where the loan has been fully repaid, as per scheme rules.
- Only one member of a family can register and receive benefits. A family means husband, wife and unmarried children.
- Persons in government service and their family members are not eligible.
Who Should Apply First?
Artisans who are actively working in their trade, have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number and bank account, and want to expand their business should apply without delay. Young people who have learned a family trade and want to modernise it are especially well placed to benefit from training, tools and credit. Women artisans in tailoring, mat weaving, garland making and other trades can also gain financial independence through the scheme.
If you are unsure whether your work falls under one of the 18 trades, ask the CSC operator or the district industries centre before applying. Choosing the correct trade at the start avoids rejection and delays later.
Checklist Before Visiting the CSC
- Aadhaar card and mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Bank passbook or account details
- Ration card details for family information
- Information about your trade, workplace and years of experience
- Confirmation that no other family member has registered
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana in Detail
1. Recognition: Certificate and ID Card
Registered artisans receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, which recognise them as Vishwakarmas and make them eligible for all benefits under the scheme.
2. Skill Upgradation
After verification, beneficiaries attend basic skill training of 5 to 7 days (about 40 hours) and receive a stipend of ₹500 per day. Those who wish can take advanced training of 15 days or more, also with a stipend. Training covers modern tools, design, quality, digital skills and business basics.
3. Toolkit Incentive
A toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000 is provided through e-vouchers at the start of basic training. Artisans can use it to buy modern tools that improve productivity and quality.
4. PM Vishwakarma Loan
| Tranche | Amount | Repayment Period | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Up to ₹1 lakh | 18 months | After completing basic training |
| Second | Up to ₹2 lakh | 30 months | After repaying the first tranche and adopting digital transactions or advanced training, as per rules |
The loans are collateral-free, and beneficiaries pay a concessional interest rate of 5 percent, with the government providing interest subvention to lending institutions. Credit guarantee support is also provided under the scheme.
5. Incentive for Digital Transactions
Beneficiaries receive ₹1 per eligible digital transaction, for up to 100 transactions per month, credited to their account. This encourages artisans to accept UPI and other digital payments.
6. Marketing Support
The scheme provides support for quality certification, branding, promotion, e-commerce linkages, trade fairs and advertising to help artisans reach more customers.
PM Vishwakarma Loan – EMI Examples
The concessional 5 percent interest makes repayments manageable for small artisans. The examples below are approximate, based on standard EMI calculations, and actual amounts may vary depending on the lender’s terms and disbursement schedule.
| Loan | Tenure | Approximate Monthly EMI at 5% |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1 lakh (first tranche) | 18 months | About ₹5,780 |
| ₹2 lakh (second tranche) | 30 months | About ₹7,110 |
Compare this with informal loans from moneylenders, which often carry much higher interest, and the savings become clear. Before taking the loan, prepare a simple plan showing how the money will increase your income, for example by buying a machine that doubles output or stocking raw material in bulk at lower prices.
Real-Life Examples From Kerala
Rajan, carpenter in Kottayam: Rajan registers under the scheme, completes basic training on modern woodworking tools and uses the toolkit voucher to buy power tools. With the first ₹1 lakh loan, he sets up a small workshop and starts taking furniture orders from nearby towns. His productivity rises, and he repays the loan on time to qualify for the second tranche.
Sheela, coir mat weaver in Alappuzha: Sheela attends training on design and quality, learns to accept UPI payments and lists her products with a local cooperative and online marketplace. The digital transaction incentive and marketing support help her reach customers outside her village.
Faizal, boat maker in Kozhikode: Faizal uses the loan to buy timber and improved tools, completing orders faster during the fishing season. Recognition as a Vishwakarma also helps him approach banks for further credit in the future.
PM Vishwakarma Registration – Step by Step
- Visit a Common Service Centre: In Kerala, Akshaya centres and other CSCs help with registration.
- Mobile and Aadhaar verification: The CSC operator verifies your mobile number and Aadhaar through biometric authentication.
- Fill the registration form: Provide personal details, trade, bank account, family details and other information.
- Three-stage verification: Your application is verified at the gram panchayat or urban local body level, by the district implementation committee and by the screening committee.
- Receive certificate and ID: After approval, download the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
- Attend basic training: Register for basic training and receive the stipend and toolkit e-voucher.
- Apply for loan: After training, apply for the first tranche of the loan through the portal.
Registration through CSCs is free for beneficiaries. Do not pay anyone who claims they can “approve” your application for money.
Understanding the Three-Stage Verification
To ensure that benefits reach genuine artisans, applications go through verification at three levels. First, the gram panchayat or urban local body verifies that the applicant actually works in the claimed trade and meets basic conditions. Next, the district implementation committee reviews and recommends applications. Finally, a screening committee approves them. This process can take some time, so check your application status on the portal regularly and respond quickly if any clarification is sought. Applications with incorrect trade details, duplicate family registrations or ineligible members are likely to be rejected.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Applicant not actually engaged in one of the 18 trades
- Another family member already registered
- Applicant or family member in government service
- Recent loans under similar central or state schemes not repaid, where rules prohibit
- Mismatch between Aadhaar details and other records
If your application is rejected, check the reason on the portal and seek guidance from the CSC or district industries centre on whether you can correct and reapply.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card linked with mobile number
- Bank account details (Aadhaar-seeded account preferred)
- Ration card or family details
- Proof of trade, if requested during verification
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Mobile number for OTP and updates
What Happens in Basic Training
Basic training is designed to upgrade traditional skills with modern techniques. Depending on the trade, artisans learn to use power tools and modern equipment safely, improve product quality and finish, understand new designs and customer preferences, and adopt good workplace practices. The training also covers basics of costing, pricing, bookkeeping, digital payments and marketing. Many artisans say that learning to calculate costs correctly helped them stop underpricing their products.
Training is conducted through approved training centres. Attendance is recorded, and the stipend of ₹500 per day is paid to the beneficiary’s bank account. Completing training is important because it unlocks the toolkit incentive and the first tranche of the loan.
Advanced Training for Growth
Artisans who want to grow further can opt for advanced training, which goes deeper into technology, design, product development and entrepreneurship. Advanced training is useful for those who want to set up larger workshops, employ helpers, or move into higher-value products such as designer furniture, premium jewellery or export-quality handicrafts.
Marketing Support Explained
Many artisans make good products but struggle to sell them at fair prices. Under the scheme, marketing support includes quality certification, branding and packaging guidance, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, advertising and publicity, and onboarding to e-commerce platforms and the Government e-Marketplace. Artisans can also benefit from linkages with large buyers and retail chains. Using these opportunities can help you reach customers beyond your local market and earn better margins.
Role of Akshaya Centres in Kerala
Akshaya centres function as Common Service Centres in Kerala and are the main point for PM Vishwakarma registration. Operators help artisans with biometric verification, filling the form, uploading details and tracking status. Carry your Aadhaar card, bank passbook and mobile phone when you visit. If you face difficulties, the district industries centre in your district can also guide you on scheme procedures.
Tips to Get the Most From the Scheme
- Choose the trade that matches your actual work; verification teams may check this.
- Attend training sincerely; it improves skills and unlocks other benefits.
- Use the toolkit voucher for tools that truly improve your work.
- Plan the loan use carefully: equipment, raw material, workshop improvement or marketing.
- Repay on time to become eligible for the second tranche.
- Start accepting digital payments to earn incentives and build a credit history.
- Register your products on e-commerce platforms or government marketplaces where possible.
Using the PM Vishwakarma Loan Wisely
| Trade | Productive Use of the Loan |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | Power tools, workshop setup, timber stock for orders |
| Tailor | Industrial sewing machine, embroidery machine, fabric stock |
| Goldsmith | Modern polishing and finishing equipment |
| Barber | Salon chairs, equipment and shop improvements |
| Mason | Tools, scaffolding equipment, cutting machines |
| Potter | Electric potter’s wheel, kiln improvements |
| Coir and mat weaver | Improved looms, raw material in bulk |
Avoid using the loan for personal consumption, as it does not generate income to repay the EMI. Keep records of how you use the money and the extra income it brings. Timely repayment improves your credit history and makes future loans easier.
Digital Payments for Artisans
Accepting UPI payments is simple: open a bank account with mobile banking, link it to a UPI app, and display a QR code at your workplace. Customers can pay instantly, and you receive money directly in your bank account. Under the scheme, eligible digital transactions earn incentives, and a record of digital income strengthens your loan applications. Learn to recognise fraud attempts, such as fake payment screenshots or requests to scan a QR code to “receive” money, and never share your UPI PIN.
PM Vishwakarma vs Other Schemes
| Scheme | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| PM Vishwakarma | Holistic support for traditional artisans: recognition, training, tools, credit |
| PMEGP | Credit-linked subsidy for setting up new micro enterprises |
| MUDRA | Loans for micro and small business activities |
| e-Shram | Registration of unorganised workers for social security |
Read our guides on PMEGP registration, the e-Shram card and the Atal Pension Yojana to combine benefits wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much loan can I get under PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches: ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh, at a concessional interest rate of 5 percent.
Is there any fee for PM Vishwakarma registration?
No. Registration through Common Service Centres is free for beneficiaries.
Can two members of the same family apply?
No. Only one member of a family can receive benefits.
What is the toolkit incentive?
Up to ₹15,000 provided through e-vouchers to buy modern tools.
Is training mandatory?
Basic training is required to access the toolkit incentive and the first loan tranche.
Can tailors and barbers apply?
Yes. Tailor (Darzi) and Barber (Naai) are among the 18 eligible trades.
How long does verification take?
It depends on the workload at different verification levels. Check your status on the portal and follow up with the CSC or local body if it is pending for long.
Do I need to provide collateral for the loan?
No. The loans under the scheme are collateral-free.
Is the PM Vishwakarma certificate useful beyond the scheme?
Yes. It serves as recognition of your trade and can help when approaching banks, buyers and government programmes for artisans.
Can a person aged above 60 apply?
The scheme sets a minimum age of 18. There is no general upper age limit mentioned for registration, but loan eligibility depends on lender norms. Check with the CSC for your case.
Where can I check my PM Vishwakarma application status?
Log in to the official PM Vishwakarma portal with your registered mobile number to see the status of verification, training and benefits.
Can I apply for both PM Vishwakarma and e-Shram?
Yes. e-Shram is a registration for unorganised workers, while PM Vishwakarma provides trade-specific support. Eligible artisans can benefit from both.
Conclusion
PM Vishwakarma Yojana gives traditional artisans recognition, modern skills, better tools and affordable credit. If you work in one of the 18 trades, complete your PM Vishwakarma registration at the nearest Akshaya centre, attend training and use the support to grow your work. For official details, visit the PM Vishwakarma portal. Follow Kerala Job News for more government scheme guides.