Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to mark the first anniversary of the National PM Vishwakarma Programme in Wardha, Maharashtra, today. This significant event celebrates the launch of the central scheme that was introduced on September 17 last year.
The programme is designed to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople across the country. As part of the event, Modi will hand out loans to beneficiaries, lay the foundation stone for an ambitious textile park, and launch new initiatives aimed at boosting skill development and women-led startups in the state.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme, which supports 18 different trades, will see Modi distributing loans to 18 beneficiaries during today’s event. These beneficiaries represent a broad spectrum of traditional trades, from carpenters and weavers to blacksmiths and goldsmiths. The initiative is a part of the government's commitment to uplift local artisans by offering financial assistance, modern tools, training, and access to markets.
One of the key highlights of the day is the release of a commemorative stamp to mark the first year of the Vishwakarma programme. This stamp symbolises the government's efforts to preserve and promote India’s rich tradition of craftsmanship while ensuring that artisans and small-scale workers receive the support they need to thrive in the modern economy.
Another major milestone of the event will be the laying of the foundation stone for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Amravati, Maharashtra.
Spanning 1,000 acres, this industrial park is being developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and is one of seven PM MITRA parks approved by the central government to support the textile industry.
The PM MITRA initiative aims to create world-class industrial infrastructure, encouraging large-scale investment in the textile sector. It is also intended to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) while fostering innovation, job creation, and the overall growth of the textile industry.
The park will provide a platform for integrated textile manufacturing, including processes such as spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garment manufacturing, all in one location.
In addition to these industrial projects, PM Modi will also launch two important schemes by the Maharashtra government: the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre and the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme.
The skill development centre aims to enhance employability by offering practical, industry-relevant training to the youth, helping bridge the gap between education and the labour market.
The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme is another significant initiative, providing financial support to women-led startups in the state. The scheme will offer early-stage support, with up to ₹25 lakh in funding available for startups led by women entrepreneurs.
A unique aspect of the scheme is its inclusive approach, reserving 25 percent of the provisions for women from economically weaker sections and backward classes.
Through these initiatives, the government hopes to foster a more inclusive economy by providing opportunities to traditionally underrepresented groups, including women and artisans.
These efforts also aim to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern market demands, ensuring that the knowledge and skills passed down through generations are not only preserved but also made more competitive.
Today's event is seen as a crucial step in the government's broader vision for economic development, job creation, and self-reliance. With initiatives like PM Vishwakarma and PM MITRA, the government is emphasising the importance of both large-scale industrial infrastructure and the empowerment of smaller, often neglected communities.
This balanced approach, which combines skill development, startup support, and industrial growth, reflects a long-term strategy to make India a global leader in various sectors, particularly textiles and craftsmanship.
As Prime Minister Modi participates in the event in Wardha, the focus remains on expanding opportunities for every section of society, promoting sustainable growth, and preparing the country for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The initiatives launched today underline the government's commitment to fostering an ecosystem that not only supports large industries but also ensures that grassroots-level enterprises and artisans thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Follow us
