UP Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana: Free Training and Loans for Traditional Artisans

Key facts

• The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana in 2018 to support traditional artisans through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department.
• The scheme provides selected artisans with free 6-day residential training, a toolkit grant of ₹10,000, and concessional loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh.
• Concessional loans under the scheme are provided by the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board.
• Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh, aged 18 or older, and engaged in traditional trades including Carpenter (Badhayi), Blacksmith (Lohar), Barber (Hajam), Tailor (Darji), Cobbler (Mochi), Basket Weaver (Bunkar), Goldsmith (Sonar), and Potter (Kumhar).
• Priority for the scheme is given to applicants from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Minority communities, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).