Artisans' hard work, talent important for developed India: MSME Minister on PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries

Narayan Rane, the Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), engaged with recipients of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. These beneficiaries were extended a special invitation by the Ministry of Defence to attend the Republic Day Parade 2024 as honoured guests at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

Speaking at the occasion, Rane said it is heartening to welcome the PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries. He underscored that the scheme was designed to provide guidance and support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in villages, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. The initiative aims to enhance their craftsmanship and skills, enabling them to transition into entrepreneurs and establish their own enterprises.

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“The hard work, talent and strong intentions of our artisans are very important in fulfilling the dream of 'Developed India',” Rane posed on social media platform X.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched in September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra. The scheme provides end-to-end support to the artisans and craftspeople belonging to 18 different trades including carpenter (suthar/badhai), boat maker, armourer, blacksmith (lohar), hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith (sonar), potter (kumhaar), sculptor (moortikar, stone carver), stone breaker, cobbler (charmkar)/ shoesmith/footwear artisan, mason (rajmistri), basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, doll and toy maker (traditional), barber (naai), garland maker (malakaar), washerman (dhobi), tailor (darzi), and fishing net maker.

As of date, more than two lakh applications have been registered successfully under the scheme.

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, the scheme also onboarded the beneficiaries on Udyam Assist Platform as 'entrepreneurs' in the formal MSME ecosystem.

There are 108 female artisans and 148 male artisans covered under the scheme. They, along with their spouses, will attend the Republic Day event. They belong to 20 states, including northeastern states and four union territories, and a few of them represent aspirational districts.