Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant appearance at the National ‘PM Vishwakarma’ Programme exhibition in Wardha on Friday, where he purchased an artefact of Lord Jagannath from a local Vishwakarma artisan. The Prime Minister made the payment digitally via UPI, showcasing the government’s commitment to promoting digital transactions and supporting local artisans.
Accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, PM Modi visited various displays at the exhibition.
During the event, he distributed certificates and loans to beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, which supports artisans. A total of 18 beneficiaries from different trades received credit under the initiative. Additionally, PM Modi released a commemorative stamp to honor the progress made under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, which was launched on September 17, 2023.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme aims to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople, while the Prime Minister also launched the “Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre” scheme. This initiative will establish skill training centers in prominent colleges across Maharashtra, aiming to train approximately 150,000 youths annually, aged 15 to 45, to enhance their employability.
Furthermore, PM Modi introduced the “Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme,” which will provide financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh to eligible women-led startups in the state. This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and boost the startup ecosystem in Maharashtra.