Kolkata: Centre aims to onboard 2 lakh artisans and craftspeople from Bengal under PM Vishwakarma Scheme over the next year. The scheme was implemented in the state after BJP govt assumed office in May.“The state govt decided to implement PM Vishwakarma Scheme in May 2026. Already, 2,952 beneficiaries have registered after completing the three-stage verification process. Our target is to onboard 2 lakh artisans and craftspeople from Bengal under this scheme over the next year,” MSME ministry additional secretary and development commissioner Rajneesh said on Wednesday.In Bengal, applications of 36,650 artisans and craftspeople have been verified at the first stage, of which 2,952 completed the three-stage verification. They will all receive six-day basic skill training to be eligible for bank credit.PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched on Sept 17, 2023, to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in 18 identified trades.According to an official statement, 30 lakh beneficiaries have registered under this scheme. Of these, 6.2 lakh received loan support of up to Rs 1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum, amounting to Rs 5,297 crore.
