PM Unveils Vishwakarma Yojana and Women SHG Drone Initiative

• 17 Aug 2023

On 15^th August, 2023, Prime Minister announced the Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at fostering skill development among traditional artisans.

Additionally, he revealed plans to empower women self-help groups (SHGs) through drone provision for agricultural activities.

Key Points

• Beneficiaries: It is designed to uplift individuals proficient in traditional crafts such as weaving, goldsmithing, and blacksmithing.
• Target Community: This scheme, which commences on Vishwakarma Jayanti, primarily targets the OBC community.
• Funds: It is set to receive an initial funding of ₹13,000 crore to ₹15,000 crore, amplifying the empowerment of artisan families engaged in various trades.
• Empowering Women SHGs with Drones: Aiming to create economic opportunities for women in villages, the government plans to establish two crore 'lakhpati didis' (prosperous sisters).
• Women's SHGs: It will involve 15,000 women's SHGs, which will receive loans and training to operate and maintain drones.
• Agricultural Tasks: These drones will eventually be utilized for agricultural tasks, marking a significant advancement in agricultural practices.