The Hon’ble Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Hon’ble Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, interacted today with the MSME beneficiaries who have been invited 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,199 artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana, 50 beneficiaries of the SRI Fund and 50 best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana, along with their spouses have been invited by the Ministry of Defence as ‘Special Guests’ to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. These beneficiaries represent various States and Union Territories across the country.
 

 

The interaction was followed by a dinner in honour of the beneficiaries at the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), Okhla, New Delhi. The beneficiaries also shared their experiences. Senior officials from the Ministry of MSME, NSIC, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Coir Board also graced the occasion.

 

During the welcome address by Shri S.C.L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, stated that, “The country is progressing because of your efforts. We are united in diversity, and the Ministry of MSME will remain continuously connected with you so that other beneficiaries may also move forward. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to you.”

 

Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, warmly welcomed the beneficiaries and said, “It is a matter of great pleasure for us that you have come here. Your presence is an indication that you are actively participating in the process of nation-building. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and welcome to all of you.”

While interacting with the beneficiaries, the Hon’ble Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, said, “Today, seeing all of you, I feel as if I am witnessing a ‘Mini India’. You have come from different regions; we are all united as one. Many of you have come to Delhi for the first time and will be attending the Republic Day Parade for the first time. I would like to thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister, as it is because of his leadership that you are getting this opportunity. Various schemes are being formulated so that all of you can benefit from them, and through training and skill development, continuous efforts are being made to help you move forward.”

The Hon’ble Minister for MSME Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, while meeting the beneficiaries, said, “MSMEs are the most powerful platform for job creation. If India is to become prosperous, there is nothing more effective than MSMEs. When you improve, society improves along with you.”

 

The Hon’ble Minister further added, “MSMEs make a significant contribution to the economy; they strengthen prosperity, and after agriculture, MSMEs are the sector contributing the most to economic growth. They play a crucial and decisive role. Our department reaches people in every corner of the country. I welcome you to Delhi and extend my best wishes to all of you on the occasion of Republic Day.”

 

The vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Anuja Bapat, Deputy Director General, Office of DC MSME.

During the stay in the National Capital, the special guests also visited historic monuments and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya to experience India’s rich heritage and democratic legacy.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme 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. Khadi Vikas Yojana is a sub-scheme under the umbrella Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (KGVY), 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 to provide training with stipend facilities and create self-employment opportunities.

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