PM Vishwakarma Artisans Showcase Crafts at BRICS Cultural Bazar

27 Oct PM Vishwakarma Artisans Showcase Crafts at BRICS Cultural Bazar

✎ The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a central sector scheme launched in 2023 to support artisans in 18 traditional trades through skill training, financial assistance, and market access, with a budget of ₹13,000 crore over five years.

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper II — International Relations  |  GS Paper III — Economy  |  GS Paper IV — Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
• Prelims: Vishwakarma Yojana, Cultural Diplomacy, BRICS, Skill India Mission, Handicrafts Export Promotion Council, Geographical Indications (GI) Tags, MSMEs
• Essay: The role of cultural heritage in India’s soft power diplomacy, Traditional crafts as instruments of economic empowerment and cultural preservation

Quick Revision: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a central sector scheme launched in 2023 to support artisans in 18 traditional trades through skill training, financial assistance, and market access, with a budget of ₹13,000 crore over five years.

Why is this in the news?

The participation of artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at the BRICS Cultural Bazaar underscores India’s strategic emphasis on leveraging traditional crafts as a tool for cultural diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and the promotion of grassroots entrepreneurship. This initiative aligns with India’s broader objectives of fostering international cooperation, preserving intangible cultural heritage, and enhancing the global competitiveness of India’s MSMEs in the handicrafts sector.

Background

• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched in September 2023 to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, and textile weaving.
• The scheme operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and aims to enhance the skills, market access, and financial viability of artisans through collateral-free credit, skill training, and digital empowerment.
• Cultural diplomacy has emerged as a key pillar of India’s foreign policy, with initiatives such as the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ vision reinforcing the importance of soft power.
• The BRICS Cultural Bazaar is an annual event held under the BRICS framework, designed to showcase the cultural and artistic heritage of member nations, promote people-to-people exchanges, and foster economic cooperation.
• India’s participation in the BRICS Cultural Bazaar is part of its broader strategy to integrate cultural heritage with economic diplomacy, particularly in sectors where India holds a comparative advantage, such as handicrafts and textiles.
• The event also aligns with India’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

• Launched on 17 September 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a central sector scheme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
• The scheme targets artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, and sculpture, with a focus on preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage.
• Key components include: (i) skill upgradation through training programs, (ii) financial support via collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh at concessional interest rates, (iii) digital empowerment through the issuance of PM Vishwakarma certificates and IDs, and (iv) market access through participation in national and international exhibitions and bazaars.
• The scheme operates on a hub-and-spoke model, with ‘Vishwakarma Kendras’ serving as training and support hubs, and ‘Vishwakarma Sahayak’ mobile units providing on-site assistance to artisans in rural and remote areas.
• Eligibility is extended to artisans above 18 years of age, with preference given to those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and women artisans.
• The scheme is implemented with a budgetary outlay of ₹13,000 crore over five years (2023–2028), aiming to benefit approximately 30 lakh artisans and their families.
• The scheme also integrates with other government initiatives such as the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) scheme, the ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme, and the ‘Digital India’ program to enhance outreach and impact.
• The inclusion of artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in international platforms like the BRICS Cultural Bazaar serves as a testament to the scheme’s success in enhancing the global visibility and marketability of India’s traditional crafts.

Key Features

Feature	Significance
PM Vishwakarma Scheme	A central sector scheme launched in September 2023 to provide holistic support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, including financial assistance, skill upgradation, and market access.
BRICS Cultural Bazar	A platform established under BRICS cooperation to promote cultural diplomacy, heritage conservation, and economic engagement through traditional crafts and artisanal products.
Artisan Showcase	A curated exhibition of traditional Indian crafts, highlighting the cultural heritage, socio-economic contributions, and global competitiveness of Indian artisans.
Digital Integration	Leveraging digital platforms for artisans to access broader markets, training modules, and financial services, aligning with the broader vision of a ‘Digital India’.
Skill Certification	Formal recognition of traditional skills through certification frameworks, enhancing employability and preserving intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO conventions.

Why it Matters

Cultural Diplomacy

• Strengthens India’s soft power by showcasing traditional crafts as a symbol of cultural continuity and innovation.
• Facilitates cross-cultural exchanges within BRICS, fostering mutual appreciation of diverse artisanal traditions.
• Enhances India’s global image as a custodian of living heritage, aligning with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Economic Empowerment

• Provides direct market access to artisans, reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving income sustainability.
• Promotes rural entrepreneurship and micro-enterprises, contributing to the formalisation of the unorganised sector.
• Aligns with the objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to integrate traditional crafts into global value chains.

Skill and Heritage Preservation

• Ensures the transmission of traditional knowledge and techniques to younger generations through structured training and certification.
• Supports the documentation and digitisation of intangible cultural heritage, safeguarding it against erosion.
• Encourages innovation within traditional frameworks, such as sustainable materials and eco-friendly production methods.

Policy Integration

• Demonstrates the convergence of cultural, economic, and social policies in a single initiative.
• Highlights the role of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in implementing welfare schemes for artisans.
• Reflects the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Challenges

1. Market Access and Competition

• Limited penetration of traditional crafts in global markets due to branding and marketing constraints.
• Competition from mass-produced alternatives that offer lower costs but lack cultural authenticity.
• Dependence on intermediaries who often exploit artisans by offering low remuneration.

UPSC Link: GS3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources.

2. Skill Gaps and Formalisation

• Inadequate access to formal training and certification for artisans, particularly in rural and remote areas.
• Low awareness of government schemes and digital tools among traditional craftspeople.
• Challenges in integrating informal artisans into formal economic structures.

UPSC Link: GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population.

3. Sustainability and Climate Resilience

• Over-exploitation of natural resources (e.g., timber, minerals) for traditional crafts, leading to environmental degradation.
• Climate change impacts on raw material availability (e.g., sandalwood, wool, or specific dyes).
• Need for sustainable sourcing and circular economy models in artisanal production.

UPSC Link: GS3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

4. Digital Divide and Infrastructure

• Limited digital literacy among artisans, hindering their ability to leverage e-commerce and online platforms.
• Poor internet connectivity and infrastructure in rural areas where most artisans reside.
• High costs of digital tools and training programs for marginalised craftspeople.

UPSC Link: GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

5. Policy Implementation Gaps

• Fragmented implementation of schemes due to overlapping jurisdictions of central and state governments.
• Delays in disbursement of financial assistance and subsidies under PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
• Lack of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of initiatives.

UPSC Link: GS2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Issue	Concern
Branding and Marketing	Inability to compete with global brands due to lack of standardised branding and marketing strategies.
Financial Inclusion	Low access to formal credit and banking services among artisans, limiting their ability to scale operations.
Regulatory Hurdles	Complex licensing and certification requirements for traditional crafts, particularly in states with stringent regulations.
Cultural Appropriation	Risk of dilution or misrepresentation of traditional crafts by commercial entities without due credit to original artisans.
Supply Chain Disruptions	Vulnerability to disruptions in raw material supply chains, exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical factors.
Youth Disinterest	Declining interest among younger generations in pursuing traditional crafts due to perceived lack of economic viability.

Government Initiatives — Must-Memorise for Prelims

• PM Vishwakarma Scheme
• One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme
• Skill India Mission
• Stand-Up India Scheme
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• GeM (Government e-Marketplace) for artisans

Way Forward

• Strengthen market linkages for artisans through dedicated e-commerce platforms and global trade fairs, ensuring fair pricing and reduced intermediation.
• Expand digital literacy programmes tailored to the needs of traditional craftspeople, including vernacular language modules and offline training.
• Integrate climate-resilient practices into traditional craft production, such as sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly materials.
• Enhance financial inclusion by simplifying access to credit and subsidies under PM Vishwakarma Scheme, with streamlined application processes.
• Establish a national-level monitoring framework to track the progress of artisan welfare schemes, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Promote public-private partnerships to scale up artisan cooperatives and collective marketing initiatives.
• Develop a national registry of traditional crafts and artisans to facilitate targeted policy interventions and skill development.
• Encourage research and innovation in traditional crafts through grants and collaborations with academic institutions.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM Vishwakarma Yojana:
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftspeople.
2. The scheme includes financial assistance, skill upgradation, and market linkage support.
3. It is exclusively targeted at artisans from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities.
How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: Only two — Statement 1 and 2 are correct as the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is designed to support traditional artisans with financial aid, skill development, and market access. Statement 3 is incorrect as the scheme is not exclusively targeted at any specific community but is open to all traditional artisans.

Q2. Assertion (A): The BRICS Cultural Bazar serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy and economic cooperation among member nations.
Reason (R): The event facilitates the exchange of traditional crafts, thereby promoting cultural heritage and generating livelihood opportunities for artisans.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: ? — Both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. The BRICS Cultural Bazar indeed serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy and economic cooperation among member nations. The Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A) as the exchange of traditional crafts promotes cultural heritage and supports livelihoods.

Q3. Match the following initiatives with their respective objectives:

Column I (Initiative) Column II (Objective)
A. PM Vishwakarma Yojana 1. Promoting traditional crafts and artisans
B. Skill India Mission 2. Enhancing employability through skill development
C. One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme 3. Fostering localised economic growth through unique products
D. Make in India 4. Boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation

Options:
A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C. A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Answer: ? — The correct matching is: A (PM Vishwakarma Yojana) with 1 (Promoting traditional crafts and artisans), B (Skill India Mission) with 2 (Enhancing employability through skill development), C (One District One Product Scheme) with 3 (Fostering localised economic growth through unique products), and D (Make in India) with 4 (Boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation).

Mains Practice Question

✍ The PM Vishwakarma Yojana represents a significant policy intervention aimed at preserving and promoting India’s traditional crafts and artisans. Critically examine the scheme’s objectives, institutional framework, and potential challenges in achieving its goals. Also, analyse how such initiatives contribute to India’s cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy in the context of global partnerships like BRICS. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:

1. **Introduction (1 mark)**: Briefly define the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, its launch date (September 2023), and its alignment with the Skill India Mission and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

2. **Objectives and Components (3 marks)**:
– Financial support: Collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh at concessional interest rates.
– Skill upgradation: Training in modern and traditional skills.
– Market linkage: Integration with e-commerce platforms and participation in domestic/international exhibitions.
– Digital empowerment: Provision of tools and equipment with a 50% subsidy.
– Social security: Enrolment in PM Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana.

3. **Institutional Framework (2 marks)**:
– Role of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as the nodal ministry.
– Implementation through District Implementation Units (DIUs) and state governments.
– Collaboration with industry associations (e.g., FICCI, CII) and artisan clusters.

4. **Potential Challenges (4 marks)**:
– **Awareness and outreach**: Limited penetration in remote and tribal areas.
– **Financial inclusion**: Dependence on formal banking systems may exclude marginalised artisans.
– **Market access**: Competition from mass-produced goods and lack of branding.
– **Skill mismatch**: Disconnect between traditional skills and contemporary market demands.
– **Sustainability**: Ensuring long-term viability post-subsidy phase.

5. **Cultural and Economic Diplomacy (3 marks)**:
– **Cultural diplomacy**: Showcasing India’s rich heritage (e.g., BRICS Cultural Bazar, UNESCO nominations) to foster soft power.
– **Economic diplomacy**: Leveraging traditional crafts as a tool for trade and cultural exchange (e.g., GI tags, export promotion).
– **Global South cooperation**: Strengthening South-South cooperation through shared cultural and economic practices.

6. **Conclusion (2 marks)**:
– Summarise the scheme’s potential to revitalise traditional crafts while addressing socio-economic challenges.
– Emphasise the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration (government, private sector, civil society) for sustainable impact.
– Highlight the role of such schemes in India’s broader strategy of cultural and economic diplomacy under the Global South framework.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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