“Today is a special day as Mahatma Gandhi had started the campaign against untouchability in 1932 on this day. The completion of one year of PM Vishwakarma Yojana today and its celebration in the land of Wardha, which is the sadhanasthali of Vinova Bhave and karmabhoomi of Mahatma Gandhi, makes the occasion a confluence of the achievement and inspiration to bring new energy to the resolve of Viksit Bharat,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the grand celebration organised to mark the first anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana at Swawalambi Maidan of Wardha on Friday morning. Governor of Maharashtra, C P Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister for Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were present among others dignitaries on the occasion. The Prime Minister launched the ‘Acharya Chanakya Skill Development ’ scheme and ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme’.

 

He released certificates and loans to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries and also released a commemorative stamp dedicated to mark one year of progress under PM Vishwakarma. Modi also laid the foundation stone of PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park at Amravati, Maharashtra. The Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. Stating that through PM Vishwakarma Yojana, the government has resolved to create a better future through skill development and taking ideals of Mahatma Gandhi of ‘shram to samriddhi’ as a medium to turn them into reality. Recalling India’s glorious past where the nation progressed on the basis of these traditional skills and crafts, he rued that successive governments after independence did not give this skill the respect they deserved. Drawing attention to the large-scale and unprecedented collaborations of different departments to make PM Vishwakarma a success, Modi informed, “More than 700 districts, 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, 5000 urban local units are giving momentum to the scheme. Last year more than 20 lakh people with 18 different traditional skills have been connected to PM Vishwakarma Yojna. Skill training and upgradation have been provided to more than 8 lakh artisans and craftsmen with introduction of modern machinery and digital tools. More than 60,000 people have received skill training in Maharashtra alone,” Prime Minister informed adding that over 6 lakh Vishwakarmas have been provided with modern equipment to boost productivity and quality of produce, an e-voucher of Rs 15,000, and loans up to Rs 3 lakh without guarantee to expand their businesses.

 

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that loans worth Rs 1400 crore have been given to Vishwakarmas within a year. Pointing at the contributions of SC, ST and OBC communities towards traditional skills, the Prime Minister lamented the neglect faced by them during the previous governments. Expressing his desire for the people of the Vishwakarma community to not only remain mere artisans but become entrepreneurs and business owners, the Prime Minister mentioned providing MSME status to the work done by Vishwakarmas. He spoke about efforts like One District One Product and Ekta Mall where traditional products are being marketed to make Vishwakarmas a part of the supply chain of big companies. PM Modi touched upon ONDC and GEM which have become a medium for artisans and craftsmen to expand their businesses. Acknowledging the role of Maharashtra’s farmers in driving the State’s multi-dimensional progress, he emphasised that prosperity of the nation is closely tied to the happiness of farmers. Stating that the ‘double-engine’ Government is committed to working together to enhance farmers’ prosperity, Modi highlighted the significant steps taken under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

 

The Prime Minister also spoke about the initiative to provide crop insurance at just Rs 1 and waive electricity bills for farmers. During the programme the Prime Minister launched the ‘Acharya Chanakya Skill Development’ scheme of the Government of Maharashtra. Skill development training centers will be established in renowned colleges across the state to provide training to youth aged 15 to 45, enabling them to become self-reliant and access various employment opportunities. Around 1,50,000 youths across the state will receive free skill development training each year. The Prime Minister also launched ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme’. Under the scheme, early-stage support will be given to women-led startups in Maharashtra. Financial assistance up to R s 25 lakh will be provided. As much as 25% of the total provisions under this scheme will be reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections as specified by the government. It will help women-led startups become self-reliant and independent. Governor C P Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar also addressed the gathering.