Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana is a skill development and empowerment scheme launched by the Uttar Pradesh government to support traditional artisans and craftspeople. It focuses on strengthening the livelihood of workers such as carpenters (badhai), tailors (darzi), basket weavers, barbers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, potters, confectioners, cobblers, masons, and other handicraft persons in both rural and urban areas.During his transformative 9-year tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh since March 2017, Yogi Adityanath has strongly championed the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, a state flagship scheme dedicated to honouring and empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen (Vishwakarmas). The scheme provides free skill development training among other tools.The scheme provides free skill enhancement training, modern toolkits, and financial assistance to help artisans upgrade their crafts, increase productivity, and become self-reliant. It aligns with the state’s broader goal of promoting local entrepreneurship and preserving traditional skills under initiatives like ODOP (One District One Product).Under this scheme, selected artisans receive 6 days of free training along with a stipend. Upon successful completion, they are provided advanced, technology-enabled toolkits relevant to their trade.The programme also facilitates access to easy loans for setting up or expanding small businesses. It aims to improve the socio-economic status of artisans, reduce their dependence on outdated tools and techniques, and link them with better market opportunities. The scheme is implemented through the MSME Department and district-level Industrial Promotion Centres, making it easily accessible to eligible beneficiaries across all districts of Uttar Pradesh.
1. Target beneficiaries
- Traditional artisans and craftspeople such as carpenters (badhai), tailors (darzi), barbers (nai), goldsmiths (sunar), blacksmiths (lohar), potters (kumhar), basket weavers, cobblers, confectioners (halwai), masons, and other handicraft workers.
- Permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh engaged in these trades as primary occupation.
Age group: 18–55 years (open to both men and women). - All categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) with no income ceiling; only one member per family eligible.
2. Skill training and toolkit support
- Provides 6 days of completely free skill-upgradation training with a daily stipend.
- Successful trainees receive a modern, trade-specific toolkit worth Rs10,000 to Rs1 lakh.
- Training focuses on modern tools, techniques, quality improvement, and business management.
- Aims to enhance productivity, preserve traditional crafts, and promote self-employment.
3. Financial and additional benefits
- Easy access to financial assistance/loans for setting up or expanding small businesses.
- Encourages linkage with markets and One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
- Promotes self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) among rural and urban artisans affected by economic challenges.
- No collateral required for many associated benefits.
4. How to apply
- Visit the official portal: diupmsme. upsdc. gov. in/.
- Click on Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana → New User Registration.
- Fill personal details (name, Aadhaar, mobile, trade, address), upload documents, and submit.
- Track application status online using the reference number; selected candidates are informed for training.
- Offline assistance available at District Industries Centre or MSME offices.
One major achievement of Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana is that since its launch, the scheme has successfully provided modern toolkits and free skill training to thousands of traditional artisans across Uttar Pradesh. In a single major distribution event in 2021, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath handed over toolkits to 21,000 beneficiaries, along with financial linkage support.The programme continues to empower carpenters, tailors, blacksmiths, potters, and other craftsmen by upgrading their tools and techniques, leading to higher productivity, better income, and preservation of traditional crafts in the state.
