PM Vishwakarma Turns Three, 30 Lakh Artisans Registered
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme completed three years with 30 lakh artisans registered, and the anniversary will be marked at Kolkata in West Bengal on 17 September.

Why in News
On 16 September 2026 the MSME Ministry announced that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has completed three years with 30 lakh artisans registered, and that the anniversary will be marked at Kolkata on 17 September 2026.
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises marked a milestone on 16 September 2026. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme has completed three years. The Prime Minister had launched it on 17 September 2023. The scheme supports traditional artisans and craftspeople working in 18 identified trades.
The registration target is met
30 lakh beneficiaries have been registered under the scheme. Each cleared a three-stage verification process. This means the registration target set for the scheme has been achieved. Around 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas have also received basic skill training. That training is imparted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Credit and tools delivered
The credit component has reached 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas. They received loans of up to one lakh rupees each. The interest rate is a concessional 5 per cent a year. The total loan support adds up to Rs 5,297 crore. Separately, 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered. India Post carried these to the artisans' doorsteps.
What the scheme offers
Support under the scheme is a package rather than a single benefit. Recognition comes through PM Vishwakarma certificates and identity cards. Skill upgradation follows. A toolkit incentive is part of the package. So is credit support. Incentives for digital transactions and marketing support complete the list.
The anniversary event
The third anniversary will be celebrated on 17 September 2026 at Kolkata in West Bengal. The venue is the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium. Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi will attend. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will also be present, along with Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje. West Bengal decided to join the scheme in May 2026 and 3,000 beneficiaries there have already registered.
The scheme at a glance
| Scheme | PM Vishwakarma |
| Ministry | Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Launched | 17 September 2023 |
| Trades covered | 18 identified trades |
| Registered | 30 lakh beneficiaries |
| Skill training | About 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas |
| Loans | 6.18 lakh artisans, Rs 5,297 crore, at 5 per cent a year |
| Toolkits | 18.15 lakh, delivered through India Post |
| Anniversary venue | Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata |
Important Facts
| Scheme | PM Vishwakarma |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Launched on | 17 September 2023 |
| Trades | 18 identified traditional trades |
| Beneficiaries registered | 30 lakh |
| Skill training | About 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas |
| Loan support | Rs 5,297 crore to 6.18 lakh artisans |
| Interest rate | 5 per cent per annum, loans up to one lakh rupees |
| Toolkits delivered | 18.15 lakh, through India Post |
| Anniversary event | 17 September 2026, Kolkata, West Bengal |
Exam Point of View
Remember the launch date (17 September 2023), the ministry (MSME), the 18 identified trades, the registration figure of 30 lakh, loans of Rs 5,297 crore to 6.18 lakh artisans at 5 per cent, 18.15 lakh toolkits and the Kolkata venue.
Practice Questions
How many beneficiaries have been registered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in its first three years?
- A.10 lakh
- B.20 lakh
- C.30 lakh
- D.50 lakh
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 30 lakh
Explanation
The correct answer is 30 lakh. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises stated that this many beneficiaries have been registered under the scheme after clearing a three-stage verification process, which means the registration target set for the scheme has been met within three years of its launch. Options A, B and D give figures that are either short of the achievement or beyond it, and questions on flagship schemes very often turn on the cumulative beneficiary count. Aspirants should carry the supporting numbers too: about 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas have received basic skill training, 6.18 lakh have received loans totalling Rs 5,297 crore at a concessional 5 per cent a year, and 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered through India Post.
On which date was the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched?
- A.17 September 2023
- B.15 August 2023
- C.17 September 2022
- D.2 October 2023
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 17 September 2023
Explanation
The correct answer is 17 September 2023. The Prime Minister launched the scheme on that day to give end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades, which is why its third anniversary falls on 17 September 2026 and is being celebrated at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. Option C is the sharpest trap, since it keeps the same day and month but shifts the year backwards, and a candidate who has memorised only the date will fall for it. Option B is wrong because no such launch took place on Independence Day. Option D is wrong because 2 October is associated with other national programmes rather than with this scheme. The package includes certificates and identity cards, skill upgradation, a toolkit incentive, credit support, incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.
Under which ministry is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme implemented?
- A.Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- B.Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- C.Ministry of Textiles
- D.Ministry of Rural Development
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Explanation
The correct answer is the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, usually written as MSME. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi heads it, and Shobha Karandlaje is Minister of State. Option A is the trap that catches most candidates, because the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship does have a defined role here: it imparts the basic skill training that about 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas have received. Running a component, however, is not the same as owning the scheme. Option C is wrong because the Ministry of Textiles handles handloom and handicraft programmes of its own but not this one. Option D is wrong because rural livelihood missions sit elsewhere. Note also that West Bengal joined the scheme in May 2026 and 3,000 beneficiaries there have already completed registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched?
On 17 September 2023 by the Prime Minister, to support traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades.
How many beneficiaries have been registered under the scheme?
30 lakh, after a three-stage verification process, which means the registration target set for the scheme has been achieved.
How much loan support has been given under the scheme?
Rs 5,297 crore to 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas, with loans of up to one lakh rupees at a concessional rate of 5 per cent a year.
Sources
- PM Vishwakarma Completes Three Years: 30 Lakh Artisans Registered Under the Scheme (opens in a new tab) — Press Information Bureau
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