The Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has informed the Rajya Sabha that 89,797 artisans and craftspeople from Manipur have applied for enrolment under the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana as of July 29, 2025. Of these, 18,105 have successfully completed the three-tier verification process and been granted final registration.
Replying to Unstarred Question No. 1687 raised by Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba on August 4, Minister of State for MSME Sushri Shobha Karandlaje said the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, is aimed at providing end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople from 18 traditional trades, transforming them into successful entrepreneurs.
According to the state-wise figures annexed to the reply, Manipur recorded a registration rate of 20.2 per cent, higher than the national average of 11.7 per cent. In the North East, Mizoram topped the list with 29.3 per cent, followed by Meghalaya (23.7 per cent) and Nagaland (18.4 per cent).
The Ministry further informed that 37 training centres have been engaged in Manipur to impart basic skill training under the scheme. These centres are aimed at strengthening traditional skills and equipping artisans to benefit from the government’s financial and technical support.
On the issue of loan access, the Minister clarified that availing loans under PM Vishwakarma is optional and subject to eligibility criteria as per scheme guidelines. However, the Ministry is coordinating with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and banks to minimise loan rejections and ensure wider reach. Beneficiaries are being contacted through SMS in 12 regional languages and dedicated call centres, while state governments are facilitating banker’s meetings at state and district levels.
Nationally, as of July 30, 2025, concessional and collateral-free loans amounting to ¹ 4,014 crore have been sanctioned to 4.65 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme.
The government underlined that PM Vishwakarma is not only designed to provide credit but also focuses on recognition, skill development, toolkits, and market support, thereby enhancing livelihoods of traditional artisans across the country.