SHIMLA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 73th birthday today coincided with the launch of ₹13,000 crore PM Vishwakarma Scheme from Delhi and opening of the Yashoobhumi convention centre at Dwarika that has struck a chord with the crores of artisans and craftspersons across the nation.
This scheme, aimed at honoring and empowering the country's artisans, was unveiled virtually with participation from 70 locations across India.
Prime Minister Modi said this project continues India's traditions with even greater grandeur, signifying its role as a center for showcasing our nation's future."
"The project boasts strategic proximity to an airport and a new metro station, promoting multi-modal connectivity and the 'PM Gati Shakti' initiative."
Designed as a comprehensive ecosystem, it offers entertainment, shopping, and tourism opportunities for all visitors.
"Prime Minister Modi celebrated India's craftsmanship at the G20 craft market, emphasizing the need for Indian artisans to reach global markets."
Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to support local industries by buying both small and large products reflecting India's heritage.
He urged to encourage this approach during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Dhanteras Deepawali."
The scheme is named after Lord Vishwakarma, the legendary architect, who is worshiped by the artisans today on Vishwkarma day and do not touch their tools and abstain from working.
If all goes as planned, the scheme aims at boosting skills of artisans and craftspersons in both rural and urban areas.
It encompasses 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, and pottery, among others.
Under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, beneficiaries will receive skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, digital transaction incentives, and marketing assistance.
Upon successful registration and verification, artisans will be granted a PM Vishwakarma certificate and identity card.
They will receive a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, basic skills training with a daily stipend of ₹500, and access to collateral-free loans of up to ₹1 lakh for 18 months.
Advanced skill training, with a stipend of ₹500 per day, and a second installment of loans up to ₹2 lakh for 30 months will be available to skilled beneficiaries.
Moreover, digital transactions will be promoted with incentives of Re. 1 per transaction, up to 100 transactions per month.
Additionally, artisans will receive marketing support, including quality certification, branding, and inclusion on e-commerce and GeM platforms.
Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur who led the launch from Shimla and participated in the Birthday celebration of the Prime Minister, highlighted the importance of skills in today's world revealing that the government purchases goods worth ₹2 lakh crore annually from craftspersons through the GeM portal.
Anurag Singh Thakur said the initiative is expected to be a game-changer for traditional artisans and craftsmen in India, further strengthening their role in domestic and global value chains.
He also urged the youth to actively participate in the "Mera Maati Mera Desh" (MMMD)program that will touch thousands of the villages across India.
MMMD aims at taking PM's achievements to the villagers to brand PM for the next big Contest: 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed confidence that PM Vishwakarma Yojana would effectively promote the skills of artisans across the nation.
This launch event coincided with the inauguration of the Yashobhoomi Convention Center in Delhi. Prime Minister Modi also released the logo, tagline, portal, 18 postage stamps, and toolkit booklet of PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
