BHIM To Offer e-RUPI Vouchers To Artisans Under PM Vishwakarma Scheme

NPCI BHIM Services Ltd (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), said it will offer e-RUPI vouchers via the BHIM App to support artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. 

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative aims to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople across India by enhancing their skills, providing access to modern tools, and helping them scale their services for improved livelihoods.

Under the new initiative, registered artisans, known as Vishwakarmas, can access e-RUPI vouchers exclusively through the BHIM App. These vouchers will be used to disburse the scheme amount, facilitating the delivery of modern toolkits to enhance productivity and craftsmanship. BHIM will play a crucial role in this process by streamlining access to the scheme benefits and ensuring efficient fund disbursement through e-RUPI vouchers, according to a statement.

The scheme will support a wide range of artisans, including carpenters, blacksmiths, boat makers, goldsmiths, locksmiths, sculptors, potters, cobblers, basket weavers, doll and toy makers, barbers, tailors, and more, across India.

It is pertinent to note that e-RUPI is an innovative digital solution developed by NPCI in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the National Health Authority (NHA), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and partner banks. These vouchers can be issued by organisations or the government to beneficiaries for specific purposes, offering a seamless one-time payment mechanism.

Speaking on the development, NBSL spokesperson said, “The introduction of e-RUPI vouchers under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is an important step towards ensuring that our artisans and craftspeople receive the support they need to enhance their skills and productivity. By simplifying access to the scheme through the BHIM App, we aim to make sure that these benefits are delivered swiftly and efficiently, empowering Vishwakarmas to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their communities.”

In August, NPCI announced the incorporation of NPCI BHIM Services Ltd. (NBSL), formerly known as Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), as a wholly owned subsidiary.

The development comes at a time when NPCI is reportedly considering raising the market share cap for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps from the proposed 30%. NPCI is contemplating allowing UPI third-party apps to exceed a 40% market share.