In order to examine the implementation of the Rs 13,000 crore "PM Vishwakarma" scheme, which aims to promote traditional artisans and craftsmen, the government organised a conference of senior officials from states, public sector banks, and State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC). Three ministries—MSME, Skill Development, and Finance—would implement the programme, which would be introduced on September 17. Up to 3 lakh people are expected to enlist throughout this fiscal year.The Skill Ministry has scheduled a meeting for August 28 to which senior secretaries of states, managing directors of banks, and representatives of SLBC have been invited.

"The meeting will discuss the roadmap for implementation of the scheme and process of identification of beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma scheme." Under the scheme, the skilled workmen will be given training for 4-5 days to upgrade their skills, following which they will become eligible for a loan. "Our target for this fiscal is to give loans to 3 lakh beneficiaries," the official added. The main thrust of the scheme will be on rural areas, where village-level and district-level committees will identify the beneficiaries.

In urban India, municipal corporations will identify the beneficiaries. A final decision on enrolment will be taken by the MSME ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement about the scheme in his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023. The Union Cabinet, on August 16, approved the central sector scheme PM Vishwakarma with a financial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore for a period of five years (2023-24 to 2027-28). Under PM Vishwakarma scheme, the artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Credit Support up to Rs 1 lakh (First Tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (Second Tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5 percent.

The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India. As many as 18 traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma. These trades include carpenter, boat maker, armorer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, stone breaker, cobbler/ shoesmith/footwear artisan, mason, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, doll & toy maker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor, and fishing net maker.