The Beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and the Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund, along with artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana and best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana, have been invited by the Ministry of Defence as ‘Special Guests’ to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

A total of 100 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, along with their spouses; 199 artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana, along with their spouses; 50 beneficiaries of the SRI Fund, along with their spouses; and 50 best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana, are attending the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, 2026. These beneficiaries represent various States and Union Territories across the country.

As part of the programme, the Hon’ble Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Hon’ble Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje will host a dinner in honour of the beneficiaries on 25^th January, 2026 at the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), Okhla, New Delhi. During their stay in the national capital, the special guests will also visit historic monuments and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, providing them an opportunity to experience India’s rich heritage and democratic legacy.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on 17 September 2023 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, is a holistic initiative aimed at providing end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades.

The Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promote the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Fund is designed to leverage private sector participation by providing growth capital to viable MSMEs with well-defined expansion plans.

Khadi Vikas Yojana is a sub-scheme of umbrella scheme of Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (KGVY) and is being implemented by KVIC for the promotion and development of Khadi.

Mahila Coir Yojana is a women oriented, self employment scheme being implemented by the Coir Board. The scheme is intended to provide training with stipend facilities and creation of self-employment opportunities to rural women artisans in regions producing coconut.

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AKS