The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi launched 'PM Vishwakarma Scheme' for traditional artisans and craftspeople on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti here today. The Prime Minister also launched the PM Vishwakarma logo, tagline and portal. He also released a customized stamp sheet, a tool kit e-booklet and video on the occasion. The Prime Minister distributed Vishwakarma Certificates to 18 beneficiaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti and remarked that it is dedicated to the traditional artisans and craftspeople. He expressed delight at getting the opportunity to connect with millions of Vishwakarmas from across the country. He also highlighted the great experience of visiting the exhibition showcased on the occasion and interacting with the artisans and craftsmen. He also urged the citizens to visit the occasion. The Prime Minister said that for the lakhs of artisans and their families PM Vishwakarma scheme is coming as a ray of hope.

The Prime Minister underlined the contribution and importance of the Vishwakarmas in the everyday life of the country. The Prime Minister remarked that Vishwakarmas will always remain significant in society, no matter the advancements made in technology. He said that it is the need of the hour that Vishwakarmas are recognised and supported.

“The Government has come forward as a partner to elevate the respect, enhance the capabilities, and grow the prosperity of the Vishwakarmas”, Shri Modi remarked. Throwing light on the 18 focus areas of artisans and craftsmen, the Prime Minister informed that carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, sculptors, potters, cobblers, tailors, masons, hairdressers, washermen etc. have been included in the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and the expenditure will be ₹13,000 crores.

Prime Minister highlighted the growing demand for handmade products. He said that the world over big companies sub-let their work to small enterprises. "This outsourced work should come to our Vishwakarma friends and they become a part of the global supply chain, we are working for this. That is why this scheme is an effort to take the Vishwakarma friends into the modern age”, the Prime Minister said.

“In these changing times, training, technology and tools are critical for the Vishwakarma friends”, the Prime Minister said elaborating on the measures to impart training to the skilled artisans and professions. He informed that during training times Rs.500 per day allowance will be provided to the Viswakarma friends. He also said that a toolkit voucher worth Rs.15 thousand will also be given for a modern toolkit and the government will help in branding, packaging and marketing of the products. He asked that toolkits be purchased only from the GST registered shops and these tools should be Made in India.

“The Government at the center prioritizes the development of the deprived”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted the 'One District, One Product’ scheme which encourages the unique produce from every district. He also mentioned opening the bank doors for street vendors through the PM Svanidhi Scheme, and creating specialized facilities for ‘divyangs’. “Modi stands for those who have nobody to care about them”, the Prime Minister exclaimed. He said that he is here to serve, give a life of dignity and make sure that delivery of services happens without fail. “This is Modi’s guarantee”, he added.

The Prime Minister said that the world witnessed the result of the amalgamation of technology and tradition in the G20 Craft Bazaar. Even the gifts for the visiting dignitaries comprised the products of the Viswakarma friends. “This dedication to Vocal for Local is the responsibility of the entire country”, he said. 'First we have to be Vocal for Local and then we will have to take the Local Global' he added.

Referring to the upcoming festivities in the country such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Dhanteras, Deepawali and others, the Prime Minister urged every citizen of the country to buy local products, especially those which the Vishwakarmas of the nation have contributed to.

From Guwahati, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal joined the Prime Minister in this noble endeavour of PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

Speaking on this occasion, the Shri Sonowal said, “PM Vishwakarma Yojana is yet another testimony of our dynamic leader - the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji - whose commitment to upliftment of all and everyone in the society remains paramount. Modi ji’s vision of Sabka Satha, Sabka Vikas has energised the idea of PM Vishwakarma. This Yojna is not only going to help the marginalised section of our country to become active members of nation building but also help create a new ecosystem of Atmanirbhar Bharatiyas, equipped to compete with the best of the world. The Yojna will empower our artisans to become “The Best” in their craft while the curated ecosystem will help them compete with the rest of the world. Under PM Narendra Modi ji’s visionary leadership, India became the fifth largest economy in the world while it has been commanding a global position of respect, honour and dignity, like never before. With the empowerment of our traditional artisans via PM Vishwakarma Yojna, India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji takes another step forward towards becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Shri Sonowal was accompanied by Bimal Borah, Minister of Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, and Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam; Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Guwahati, Queen Oja; Ramen Deka, Vice Chairman, SITA; Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Pabitra Margherita; Mrigen Saraniya, Mayor, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) among other officials. The programme was also attended by scores of artisans and workman who can avail the benefit of PM Vishwakarma Yojna.

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MJPS/NSK