MSME Ministry Trains 2,500 Artisans in AI Tools Under PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The Ministry of MSME has trained over 2,500 artisans and craftspeople under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, marking the first-of-its-kind initiative across Government of India ministries to integrate grassroots entrepreneurs into the AI ecosystem.

Background of the Initiative

• Scheme: PM Vishwakarma, launched on 17 September 2023, supports artisans in 18 traditional trades with training, tools, credit, and market linkage.
• Objective: Empower artisans by bridging the digital divide and enhancing livelihoods through technology.
• Alignment: Reflects the vision of “AI for Social Good” emphasized at the IndiaAI Impact Summit and reinforced in the Delhi Declaration.

Training Highlights

• Beneficiaries: 2,543 artisans and craftspeople across 20 States and Union Territories.
• Format: Hands-on, practical sessions delivered in simple language and tailored to local contexts.
• AI Tools Introduced: ChatGPT, Indus, and Google Gemini.
• Skills Covered:
  • Branding, product design, packaging, and marketing strategies
  • AI-enabled business efficiency solutions
  • Customer engagement and market expansion
  • AI-generated product descriptions and high-quality visual content

Pan-India Coverage

State/UT	Beneficiaries
Telangana	387
Maharashtra	295
Gujarat	262
Rajasthan	251
Bihar	250
Karnataka	248
Uttar Pradesh	210
Punjab	100
Delhi	82
Odisha	70
Goa	68
Uttarakhand	51
Meghalaya	51
Tripura	50
Jharkhand	43
Daman & Diu	38
Chandigarh	36
Himachal Pradesh	31
Sikkim	20
Total	2,543

Impact and Significance

• Digital Empowerment: Bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
• Global Competitiveness: Enhances product value and market reach for grassroots entrepreneurs.
• Economic Growth: Promotes sustainable and inclusive growth by enabling artisans to access new customer segments.
• Policy Innovation: First initiative across Government of India ministries to integrate artisans into the AI ecosystem.

Conclusion

This pioneering effort by the Ministry of MSME under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme represents a transformative step in India’s digital journey. By equipping artisans with AI-driven skills, the government is not only preserving India’s rich artisanal heritage but also positioning it for global competitiveness in the digital age.