The Central Government has announced the rollout of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in West Bengal, marking a significant step towards extending financial, skill development and market support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in the state. Alongside the scheme’s implementation, the Centre has also highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises, including those in the Sundarbans region, through improved access to finance, training and market opportunities.
The details were shared by Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Shobha Karandlaje, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
PM Vishwakarma Begins Implementation in West Bengal
Launched on September 17, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is designed to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in traditional occupations. The programme focuses on improving livelihoods through skill enhancement, access to affordable credit, modern toolkits, digital transaction incentives and marketing assistance.
The implementation of the scheme in West Bengal formally commenced after the state government issued a notification on May 14, 2026, constituting the State Monitoring Committee and District Implementation Committees required for its rollout.
The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, including carpenters, boat makers, armourers, metal artisans, toolkit makers, locksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, masons, basket and broom makers, traditional toy makers, barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors and fishing net makers.
By targeting artisans who primarily work with their hands and traditional tools, the scheme aims to preserve India’s rich craftsmanship while improving income opportunities through modern support mechanisms.
Mudra Loans Strengthen Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The government also highlighted the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in West Bengal. Since the scheme’s launch on April 8, 2015, the state has witnessed the disbursement of 5.82 crore loans amounting to Rs. 3.55 lakh crore up to June 26, 2026.
Mudra loans have played a major role in providing collateral-free financial assistance to micro and small entrepreneurs, enabling businesses to expand operations, generate employment and strengthen local economies.
Multiple Schemes Support Women Entrepreneurs
The Centre reiterated its commitment to promoting women entrepreneurship across the country, including among women entrepreneurs and fisherfolk living in the Sundarbans.
One of the key enablers is the Udyam Registration Portal and the Udyam Assist Portal, through which women-owned enterprises become eligible for various MSME schemes and easier access to priority sector lending.
The Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises also creates market opportunities by requiring Central Ministries and Central Public Sector Enterprises to procure at least 3% of their annual purchases from women-owned micro and small enterprises.
To improve credit access, women entrepreneurs receive additional support under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). Eligible women-led enterprises can avail guarantee coverage of up to 90%, compared to 75% available to other borrowers, along with a 10% concession in the annual guarantee fee.
Financial Incentives and Skill Development
Women entrepreneurs also receive preferential support under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). They qualify for a margin money subsidy of up to 35% and are required to contribute only 5% of the project cost, compared to a 25% subsidy and 10% own contribution for general category beneficiaries.
In the coir sector, women artisans benefit from the Mahila Coir Yojana under the Coir Vikas Yojana, which provides skill development programmes aimed at improving employability and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Similarly, under the Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme, women entrepreneurs can receive financial assistance covering up to 100% of eligible expenditure for participation in domestic trade fairs, while other entrepreneurs are eligible for assistance of up to 80%.
Women artisans engaged in any of the notified trades under PM Vishwakarma are also entitled to the scheme’s complete package of benefits, including skill training, toolkit incentives, collateral-free credit, digital transaction incentives and marketing support.
Innovation and Capacity Building Receive Focus
The Ministry of MSME has also been promoting entrepreneurship through the Yashasvini Campaign, which provides awareness programmes, mentorship, capacity building and handholding support to existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Innovation-driven enterprises are being supported through the Incubation Component of the MSME Innovative Scheme, which helps convert promising ideas into commercially viable ventures through recognised Host Institutes serving as business incubators.
West Bengal currently has 23 approved Host Institutes under the programme. Each selected innovation can receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakh, providing valuable support to early-stage entrepreneurs and startups seeking to commercialise new technologies and business ideas.
With the rollout of PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal and continued expansion of financial, marketing and innovation support programmes, the Centre aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem while creating greater opportunities for traditional artisans, women entrepreneurs and emerging businesses across the state.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
