A major gift for artisans in Haryana on Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti and PM Modi's birthday
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
On the auspicious occasion of Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti and the birthday of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, artisans and craftsmen in Haryana received a significant gift. Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini launched the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Samman Yojana, under which artisans in the state who undergo skill training through the Pradhanmantri Vishwakarma Yojana will receive a top-up incentive of Rs 5,000.
The Chief Minister made this announcement while addressing a state-level function in Rohtak on Wednesday, organized to mark Vishwakarma Jayanti and Labour Day. Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa, former Minister Manish Grover, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Saini said it was a fortunate coincidence that the day marks both the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine craftsman, and the birthday of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, whom he described as the architect of a “New India” in the 21st century. He paid homage to Lord Vishwakarma on behalf of the 2.75 crore people of Haryana and extended warm birthday greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 31 lakh to the Vishwakarma Education Committee, Rohtak. He further stated that, on application by the Vishwakarma community, a plot will be allotted in accordance with the regulations of the HSVP. He also informed that under the Mukhyamantri Vivaah Shagun Yojana, Rs 22 crore will be released by September 30 for the marriage of 4,200 daughters in the Yojana will commence soon, under which women will receive a benefit of Rs 2,100 per month.
Paying tribute to Lord Vishwakarma, the Chief Minister said the day is dedicated to honouring hardworking, honest and industrious labourers who are shaping the nation’s progress with their dedication. He said that Lord Vishwakarma inspired generations to value hard work and skill, and it is through the tireless efforts and craftsmanship of millions of his followers that society has advanced from ancient times to the present.
Over 41,000 register in Haryana under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, 30,655 artisans successfully trained
The Chief Minister said that today’s artisans face multiple challenges like rising costs of tools, rapidly changing designs, limited market access, and the need for credit. Recognizing these issues, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, which provides skill training, a daily stipend of Rs 500 during training, and tool kits for artisans. The scheme also facilitates business loans at nominal interest rates, along with assistance for product verification, branding, and promotion. In addition, artisans are given access to e-commerce platforms and the JAM portal, enabling them to sell their products across India and abroad.
The Chief Minister said that 41,366 applicants have registered under the scheme in the state. Of these, 30,655 artisans have completed skill training, and around 12,000 have received tool kits. Further, loans worth Rs 56 crore have been disbursed to 6,000 artisans. He also said that the state government has set up the Shri Vishwakarma Skill University at Dudhola in Palwal district, which has emerged as a unique model of skill-based education and training for the entire nation.
India poised to become world’s third-largest economy on the strength of its workforce
Saini said that India is progressing rapidly under the able leadership of the Prime Minister. Today, India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is steadily moving towards becoming the third-largest. He emphasized that this remarkable progress has been powered by the country’s hardworking labour force. The Prime Minister has set the vision of a “Developed India by 2047”, and the labour force will play a pivotal role in realizing this goal.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister honoured outstanding artisans. Mahendra Kumar of Faridabad (Terracotta category), Deepak of Kurukshetra (Wood and Bamboo Craft), Shiv Kumar of Rewari (Metal), and Khemraj of Panipat (Handloom) were each awarded the first prize of Rs 3 lakh. In addition, Surender Kumar of Rewari (Painting category) and Kedar of Faridabad (Terracotta) received the second prize of Rs 51,000 each.