Empowering Chamba’s Artisans: PM Vishwakarma Yojana Brings Hope to Remote Communities

Dr. Sikandar Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State General Secretary, raised pressing concerns in Parliament about the challenges faced by artisans in Chamba district under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. He highlighted issues such as high rejection rates, poor internet connectivity, and difficulties in documentation for applicants from remote areas.

Responding to these concerns, Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje explained that the scheme follows a rigorous three-tier verification process to ensure transparency. To support artisans in hard-to-reach regions, enrollment is facilitated through Common Service Centers (CSCs), where applicants receive help with documentation and portal registration. Awareness camps at the Gram Panchayat level and Aadhaar-based verification for both beneficiaries and village heads further strengthen the system.

The Minister emphasized that the PM Vishwakarma Portal is a fully digital platform designed to function even in remote areas like Chamba. As of March 5, 2026, over 2.72 crore applications have been received, with 30 lakh registrations successfully completed. Beneficiaries gain access to skill training, concessional loans, modern toolkits, and marketing support.

While there is no separate subsidized insurance scheme for Chamba’s traditional crafts, artisans can still benefit from existing social security and insurance programs. The government’s focus remains on strengthening digital infrastructure, easing enrollment, and ensuring that artisans from even the most remote corners of India can thrive.