look news india
Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana’ (PM Vishwakarma Yojana) of the Central Government, huge financial assistance is being given to the country’s traditional artisans, craftsmen and women and men doing tailoring and embroidery work from home to make them self-reliant. What is colloquially known as ‘Free Sewing Machine Scheme’ on social media and in rural areas, is actually a part of the Central Government’s ambitious PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Under this scheme, the entire grant amount of ₹ 15,000 is provided by the government in the form of e-RUPI voucher to the eligible beneficiaries registered in the ‘Tailor’ category to purchase modern sewing machines and the necessary tools related to it. In all the states of the country including Uttar Pradesh, a large number of women and traditional tailors are joining this scheme and establishing their own employment at home and becoming financially empowered.
Under Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, this assistance for sewing machine is not limited to only ₹ 15,000, but full attention is also paid to the skill development of the beneficiary. After the application is approved, the beneficiary is given basic training of 5 to 7 days at his nearest government training center, in which modern methods of tailoring and business management are taught. The most important thing is that during the training, the government also gives a stipend (allowance) of ₹ 500 per day to the beneficiary, which is directly transferred to their bank account. After successful completion of the training, the beneficiary is issued a Vishwakarma certificate and identity card along with a toolkit e-voucher worth ₹15,000 for purchasing a sewing machine. Apart from this, if any beneficiary wants to expand his tailoring business on a large scale, he is provided a cheap loan of up to ₹ 1 lakh in the first phase and ₹ 2 lakh in the second phase without any guarantee at only 5% annual interest rate.
To avail the benefits of this scheme, it is mandatory for the applicant to be an Indian citizen and his minimum age should be 18 years or more on the date of application. As per the rules of the scheme, the applicant should be traditionally engaged in tailoring or tailoring work on self-employment basis in the unorganized sector. Only one member from a family (husband, wife or any one of the unmarried children) can avail the toolkit and loan facility under this scheme. Apart from this, the applicant or any member of his family should not be employed in a government job nor should he have availed the benefit of any other credit-linked scheme (like PMEGP, PM SVANidhi or Mudra Loan) of the Central or State Government in the last 5 years. To apply online, the applicant must have Aadhaar card (linked to mobile number), ration card, copy of bank passbook, active mobile number and a passport size photograph.
Since biometric authentication is mandatory in this scheme, eligible women and men can apply online very easily through their nearest Jan Seva Kendra (CSC). To apply, first go to the nearest CSC center with your required documents and ask the operator to register on the PM Vishwakarma portal pmvishwakarma.gov.in. The operator on the portal will perform OTP verification by entering your Aadhaar number and mobile number, after which your biometric verification will be completed through the fingerprint device. After this, you will have to enter your personal details, family ration card information, bank account details and select ‘Tailor’ option in the business category in the application form. Once the form is submitted, your application is verified at the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body (Municipality/Municipal Corporation) level, and once final approval is received, the process of training and e-voucher of ₹15,000 begins.
Due to the popularity of the Sewing Machine Scheme, many fake links and unauthorized websites have also become active on the Internet and WhatsApp, which demand personal information or money in the name of giving free sewing machines. Applicants are advised not to click on any unknown link or pay money to any middleman, as registration and training under PM Vishwakarma Yojana is completely free. To know any official information or application status related to this scheme, only the official portal of Government of India. pmvishwakarma.gov.in or contact the national toll-free helpline number 1800-267-7777.