PM Vishwakarma Yojana Energizes Traditional Skills and Expertise – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Wardha : The PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to revitalize traditional skills and expertise, providing new energy to India’s age-old crafts. This scheme serves as a roadmap to harness the country’s traditional skills, which have been passed down for thousands of years, to fulfill the vision of a developed India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that a significant portion of the participants in this initiative are from Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and other backward social groups. He expressed hope that artisans from these communities would evolve into entrepreneurs, significantly contributing to the country’s economy and integrating into the supply chain.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana at Swavalam Maidan in Wardha, the Prime Minister also assured that Maharashtra’s farmers will play a key role in the state’s progress and that the government is committed to supporting their prosperity in all aspects.

During the event, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated two state government schemes: the E-Bhoomipujan of PM Mitra Park in Amravati and the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Center Yojana, along with the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Women Startup Yojana.

Reflecting on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi’s 1932 campaign to eradicate untouchability, Modi highlighted the significance of Wardha, where both Bapuji and Vinobaji advocated for village industries. He noted that traditional skills, such as those in textiles, sculpture, and metallurgy, once made India a global leader, but these crafts were severely affected during British rule. He also lamented that the Balutedari group (traditional village artisans) was neglected in the post-independence era, slowing the country’s progress.

Prime Minister Modi proudly shared that over 700 districts, 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, and thousands of local civic bodies are actively involved in implementing the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Over 1 million people have already been connected to the scheme, and 800,000 artisans have received training in skill development, with more than 60,000 artisans participating from Maharashtra alone. Modern and digital technologies are being integrated into their work, and over 650,000 artisans have been provided with modern tools. These efforts, Modi said, will help artisans become key contributors to the economy and an essential part of the supply chain.

Maharashtra, with its immense potential for industrial growth, especially in textiles, has a significant role to play, Modi added. He expressed regret over the neglect of Vidarbha’s cotton farmers in the past but noted that since 2014, under Devendra Fadnavis’ leadership, efforts have been made to boost the textile industry, including the establishment of a textile park at Nandgaon Khandeshwar. The newly inaugurated PM Mitra Park in Amravati is expected to attract ₹10,000 crore in investment and generate 100,000 jobs, further enriching Vidarbha’s farmers by exporting high-quality fabrics.

In addition to boosting industrial development, the Prime Minister discussed the government’s efforts to improve irrigation in Vidarbha, including the Vainganga-Nalganga scheme, which will irrigate 10 lakh acres. He also reassured farmers that the government is actively supporting onion and soybean producers through various measures.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana is Vital for Artisans’ Economic Progress – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that the PM Vishwakarma scheme plays a vital role in advancing the economic progress of the poor, underprivileged, and traditional artisans of the country. He noted that the scheme prioritizes bringing products crafted by artisans to the global market, which will significantly boost textile exports by processing cotton produced by the state’s farmers. The scheme is expected to attract investments of ₹10,000 crores and create more than 1 lakh jobs. Additionally, the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Center and Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Women’s Startup Schemes will contribute to the economic and social progress of women and other marginalized groups in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Small, Micro, and Medium Industries Jitanram Manjhi remarked that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will bring significant improvements to the lives of traditional craftsmen and artisans. By providing high-quality training, the scheme aims to make their products suitable for global markets. As part of this initiative, 1.46 lakh artisans have been registered in Maharashtra, and artisans are receiving loans at a 5% interest rate to purchase modern tools. Additionally, a large market has been created for their products. Mr. Manjhi also highlighted an exhibition of products made by rural artisans in Wardha, which is designed to encourage these craftsmen.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pointed out that one of the seven PM Mitra Parks in the country is being developed in Amravati, offering comprehensive facilities from cotton production to textiles and fashion. This park is expected to generate substantial employment through significant investment. He added that although the traditional Balutedar community, who have been engaged in traditional trades for generations, had been overlooked in the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced schemes like PM Vishwakarma to provide financial assistance and training to artisans, enabling them to produce market-friendly goods. Mr. Fadnavis thanked the Prime Minister for offering a solution that benefits both the farmers and the artisans, helping to uplift the Balutedar community.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar added that the industrial sector in Maharashtra, including Vidarbha, will receive a significant boost from the development of the PM Mitra Park. The park will usher in a prosperous era for cotton farming, creating vast employment opportunities. Mr. Pawar praised Prime Minister Modi for swiftly completing large infrastructure projects and attracting international entrepreneurs to invest in Maharashtra, including steel industries in Gadchiroli and semiconductor industries in Mahape. He expressed confidence that the state government will fully support the Prime Minister’s vision of building a developed India.

Distribution of Certificates and Loans to Artisans

The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the PM Mitra Park in Amravati, launched 1,000 Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centers across the state, and introduced the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Women Startup Scheme. During the event, identity cards and certificates were distributed to 1 lakh artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and digital skill certificates were awarded to another 1 lakh artisans. Loans were distributed virtually to 75,000 artisans across the country. Additionally, the Prime Minister unveiled a special postage stamp issued by the Indian Postal Department to mark the anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

In the opening ceremony, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed the Prime Minister with a replica of a spinning wheel, while Union Minister Jitanram Manjhi presented artwork created by rural artisans. The Prime Minister also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing various traditional crafts made by rural artisans, organized by the Ministry of Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises.

The event was attended by MLA Sarveshree Chandrasekhar Bawankule, Dr. Pankaj Bhoyer, Dadarao Kche, Sameer Kunawar, former MP Ramdas Tadas, In-charge Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vipin Itankar, Collector Rahul Kardile, and other dignitaries.