The Parliament was informed that around 30 lakh beneficiaries have been registered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, with 23.09 lakh beneficiaries having been trained as of December 1. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was started on September 17, 2023, to provide comprehensive support to craftsmen and craftspeople in 18 traditional trades who use their hands and tools. Under the PM Vishwakarma initiative, MoUs were inked with India Post Payment Bank and many private organizations to create QR codes that will allow beneficiaries to get digital payment incentives. “Also, online marketing support is being provided to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries through various e-commerce platforms like ONDC to promote sale of their products in the domestic as well as international markets,” according to the minister. She also highlighted that over 30,000 Vishwakarma beneficiaries have been successfully onboarded on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), giving them better access to institutional purchasers.
