The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) marked the third anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata on September 17, highlighting the programme’s progress in supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople across India.
Launched on September 17, 2023, PM Vishwakarma provides assistance to artisans working in 18 traditional trades through skill development, modern tools, affordable credit and market support. West Bengal officially joined the scheme’s implementation in May 2026.
Traditional Artisans Showcase Their Work
The anniversary programme featured an exhibition displaying traditional arts, crafts and products made by Vishwakarma beneficiaries from different parts of West Bengal.
Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje, West Bengal MSME and Textiles Minister Dipak Barman and Minister of State Ashoke Dinda were among the dignitaries associated with the event.
The exhibition gave artisans an opportunity to present their craftsmanship while highlighting the role of traditional skills in creating livelihood and business opportunities.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari spoke about the importance of strengthening skill development and access to institutional credit for artisans. He said more than seven lakh applications had been received under PM Vishwakarma in the state and stressed the need for faster facilitation and coordination between state authorities and the Union MSME Ministry.
PM Vishwakarma Reaches 30 Lakh Registrations
The MSME Ministry said the scheme has registered 30 lakh beneficiaries since its launch three years ago.
Around 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas have completed Basic Skill Training, while 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered to beneficiaries through India Post.
The scheme’s credit support has also expanded, with 6.18 lakh beneficiaries receiving loans of up to ₹1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5% per year. The total amount disbursed through this component has reached approximately ₹5,297 crore.
Shobha Karandlaje congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged artisans to make full use of the training, modern equipment, credit facilities and other support available under the programme.
Dipak Barman also highlighted the importance of initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of traditional artisans while helping preserve India’s long-standing craft traditions.
Government Highlights Expansion of MSME Support
Bharat Khera, Secretary in the Ministry of MSME, discussed the progress achieved under PM Vishwakarma and highlighted the government’s focus on skills, modern tools, affordable finance and stronger market connections for artisans.
He also underlined West Bengal’s strategic position as a gateway to eastern and northeastern India and its potential to contribute further to MSME development.
Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner in the Ministry of MSME, gave a presentation on the scheme’s major features and achievements. With West Bengal now participating in the programme, the ministry said efforts would continue to expand its implementation across the state.
The anniversary event also included the distribution of PM Vishwakarma IDs and certificates, toolkits and ₹1 lakh loan cheques to beneficiaries from West Bengal.
More than 2,000 Vishwakarmas and Panchayat functionaries from various districts attended the programme. Officials from the MSME Ministry, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Department of Financial Services, banks, India Post and the West Bengal government were also present.
The third anniversary of PM Vishwakarma highlights the scheme’s continuing focus on helping traditional artisans improve their skills, obtain modern equipment, access institutional finance and find wider market opportunities.
The programme’s overall approach is built around the three themes of “Samman, Samarthya and Samriddhi”representing recognition, capability and prosperity for India’s traditional artisans and craftspeople.