PM Vishwakarma Yojana Launched in West Bengal The Vishwakarma Yojana, a central government initiative aimed at empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen, has been extended to West Bengal. Announced by Chief Minister Subenjoy Adhikari during a cabinet meeting on May 12, 2026, the scheme seeks to provide financial and technical support to over 8.65 lakh applicants who had previously submitted applications under the program. Adhikari stated that the state government would reprocess these applications, which were not forwarded by the previous administration to the central authorities. The scheme, launched nationally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of skilled workers in sectors such as metalwork, woodcarving, pottery, and textile crafts. Under the program, beneficiaries will receive formal certification of their skills, access to training, and financial assistance. The initiative also includes modern tools and equipment subsidies, with a maximum of ₹15,000 provided through e-vouchers. Additionally, a ₹3 lakh interest-free loan is available for starting a business, disbursed in two installments of ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh at a 5% annual interest rate. Eligibility criteria for the scheme include being at least 18 years old, belonging to a recognized artisan category, and not having received similar benefits from other government schemes in the past five years. Applicants must also be residents of West Bengal, with only one member per household eligible to apply. The state government emphasized that government employees and their families are excluded from the program. Application procedures are divided into online and offline methods. Online applicants must register on the official portal (https://pmvishwakarma.gov.#[west_bengal](tag:0xc9474) #prime_minister_narendra_modi #vishwakarma_yojana #chief_minister_subenjoy_adhikari #common_service_centers
Vishwakarma Yojana: West Bengal Launches Scheme for Artisans, Benefits Announced The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari, announced the launch of the Vishwakarma Yojana, a central government initiative aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftsmen. The scheme, unveiled during a cabinet meeting on May 11, 2026, seeks to modernize traditional crafts, enhance livelihoods, and connect artisans with global markets. Adhikari highlighted that the program would address the long-standing challenges faced by artisans, including limited access to resources, training, and market opportunities. The Vishwakarma Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, is a centralized initiative under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. It provides financial assistance, training, and technological upgrades to artisans. The scheme aims to empower over 8.65 lakh artisans who have submitted applications, many of whom were previously excluded from earlier government schemes. Adhikari stated that the state government has expedited the processing of these applications, ensuring they are forwarded to the central authorities for approval. Key benefits of the scheme include: A grant of ₹15,000 for acquiring tools and equipment. Access to modern machinery and digital payment systems. A 5-7 day training program with a daily stipend of ₹500, covering topics like digital transactions, branding, and marketing. A ₹1 lakh interest-free loan for 18 months post-training. A ₹1 incentive per digital transaction for artisans adopting digital payments. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have experience in traditional crafts.#west_bengal #narendra_modi #subhendu_adhikari #ministry_of_micro_small_and_medium_enterprises #vishwakarma_yojana
