In a significant step towards strengthening market access for traditional artisans, a PMV stall at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, was inaugurated on 14^th July 2026, marking the launch of second operational PMV stall at an airport. The stall has been set up with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and a Self-Help Group (SHG). Through this initiative, three PMV beneficiaries from Chandigarh have been provided with a platform to showcase and sell their handcrafted products. The first operational PMV stall was inaugurated earlier at Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal.

The PMV stall is being operated by beneficiaries - Shri Beju Tulsidas, a skilled basket maker; Kumari Shaista Rani, a doll and toy maker; and Shri Rahul Kumar, a potter from Chandigarh. This reflects the transformative impact of the PMV Scheme in connecting skilled craftspeople with wider markets for promoting the rich traditional crafts heritage.

Key Features: Empowering Artisans through Airport Market Access

• By providing space at a high-footfall location such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, the initiative helps PMV beneficiaries gain better visibility, wider customer exposure, including domestic and international travellers, while promoting India's rich traditional craftsmanship and supporting the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
• This initiative expands market opportunities and enable PMV artisans to engage directly with customers, understand market preferences, enhance product presentation and explore new avenues for growth, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods on a larger stage.

About PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government to support traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades who work with their hands and tools. Launched in 2023, the scheme provides support through recognition, skill training, modern toolkit assistance, collateral-free credit, digital transaction incentives and market linkage opportunities. It aims to improve the quality and market reach of artisans' products while helping them to access better livelihood opportunities.
Scan the QR code to access the PM Vishwakarma website and read the Coffee Table Booklet, available in the Knowledge Centre (E-Book) section, featuring the success stories of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries from different parts of the country.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

E-Mail – hipessi[at]gmail[dot]com