PM Vishwakarma Scheme being implemented in West Bengal in collaboration with state govt, MoS informs Lok Sabha
New Delhi, July 23
The Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing its PM Vishwakarma Scheme in West Bengal in collaboration with the State Government, Union Minister of State for MSME, Shobha Karandlaje informed in Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question on Thursday.
The implementation of PM Vishwakarma has commenced in the State of West Bengal following the issuance of a notification by the Government of West Bengal constituting the State Monitoring Committee and District Implementation Committees on May 14, 2026, for the roll-out of the Scheme in the State.
"Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, women artisans engaged in any of the 18 notified trades are eligible for benefits including skill training, toolkit incentive, collateral-free credit support, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support. Through Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), a total of 5.82 crore loans amounting to Rs. 3.55 lakh crore have been disbursed since inception, i.e. April 8, 2015 till June 26, 2026 in the State of West Bengal," the Minister stated in her written reply.
She added, "The Government has undertaken many initiatives for potential women beneficiaries throughout the country, including Sundarbans-based women entrepreneurs and fisherfolk. Under the Udyam Registration Portal (UR) and Udyam Assist Portal (UAP), registered women-owned enterprises are eligible to avail benefits under various schemes of the Ministry, including access to Priority Sector Lending."
Other policies include the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana, and Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme.
"The Incubation Component of the MSME Innovative Scheme of the Ministry of MSME is aimed at promoting innovation, supporting new ideas, and facilitating the transformation of concepts into viable business ventures. It plays a crucial role in strengthening the MSME and start-up ecosystem by nurturing early-stage ideas. It supports the process of incubation through Host Institutes (HI), which are academic institutions and Innovation centers acting as Business Incubators (BI) across the country. Currently, there are 23 Host Institutes (HI) in West Bengal, and each approved idea is eligible for financial support of up to a maximum amount of Rs. 15 lakh," reads her written reply.
PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched on September 17, 2023, to provide end-to-end holistic support to artisans and craftspeople of 18 traditional trades who work with their hands and tools. The scheme covers 18 trades, namely Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Metal Artisan, Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor/Stone Worker, Cobbler/Footwear Artisan, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker, Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber, Garland Maker, Washerman, Tailor and Fishing Net Maker.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm from Sundarbans and this is a huge boon for women entrepreneurs there. The fisherfolk women can finally get collateral-free credit and training. Mudra loans of 3.55 lakh crore in Bengal alone is impressive, but we need to ensure the toolkit incentive reaches the poorest artisans.
Finally, state and central governments working together! 👏 The 23 Host Institutes in Bengal are good, but we need more in rural areas. My uncle is a carpenter who still uses old tools—this scheme could transform his business. The digital transaction incentive is also a smart way to bring them into the formal economy.
Interesting to see how India is preserving traditional crafts through modern schemes. The inclusion of fishing net makers and boat makers is crucial for coastal communities. However, I wonder about the awareness—do artisans in remote parts of Bengal even know about this scheme? The outreach needs to be strong.
The scheme is good on paper, but implementation is key. Mudra loans have been helpful, but many small artisans still face hurdles with documentation. Also, the 18 trades list should have included weavers, given Bengal's rich textile heritage. Hoping the Skill Upgradation component actually provides quality training, not just certificate courses. 🇮🇳
My mother is a tailor in Kolkata and she was thrilled when I told her about this. The collateral-free credit support is a game-changer for women like her who have always relied on informal loans. The fact that it's a collaboration between Centre and State shows we can work together for development. Well done!
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