PM Modi launches 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme for artisans and craftsmen

The 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme is a new initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower the Vishwakarma community and enhance their skills and productivity. The scheme offers special training, financial assistance, toolkit vouchers and marketing support to the beneficiaries. The scheme aims to promote the use of GST-registered tools and products among the Vishwakarma partners.

Modi spoke about the potential of conference tourism in India, saying, "The global market for conference tourism is more than INR 25 lakh crores. Every year, there are over 32,000 major exhibitions and expos around the world. Even small countries with 2-5 crores population host them, while we have 140 crores people.
He also inaugurated the 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme and stressed the importance of technology, tools and training in the future.

He said, "The future will require training, technology and tools. The 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme aims to provide special training to our Vishwakarma partners and a stipend of INR 500 during the training period. You will also receive a Toolkit voucher worth INR 1,500. The government will assist you in branding, packaging and marketing your products. The only condition is that you buy toolkits from GST registered shops."

He stated that "Our Vishwakarma partners are the backbone of our nation and they deserve our respect and support. Our government is committed to the welfare of our Vishwakarma partners. Under this scheme, Vishwakarma partners engaged in 18 different sectors will be benefitted. The government is going to invest INR 13,000 crores on the PM Vishwakarma' scheme."

Regarding the Vishwakarma scheme, he said, "Today we celebrate Vishwakarma Jayanti. This day is a tribute to the skilled and creative workers of the country. I want to convey my greetings to the people of the country, on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. I am glad that today, I got the chance to interact with our Vishwakarma members. 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme has been inaugurated today which will provide a new impetus to the artisans and craftspersons."

"The government has announced a scheme to offer loans of up to INR 3 lakhs without requiring any collateral. The loans will have a very low interest rate and will be disbursed in phases. The Vishwakarma partners will receive INR 1 lakh initially and can avail another INR 2 lakhs after repaying the first loan," he said.

He also spoke about the convention centre and said, "Conference tourism is a growing sector globally and India has immense potential to tap into it. The global conference tourism industry is valued at more than INR 25 lakh crores and there are over 32,000 major exhibitions and expos held every year. Even smaller countries with 2-5 crores population host such events, while our population is 140 crores. Conference tourists tend to spend more money than regular tourists... India's share in this industry is only 1 per cent. But the new India is ready to embrace conference tourism. Just like adventure, medical, spiritual and heritage tourism depend on the availability of suitable infrastructure, conference tourism also requires venues and facilities for events and meetings. Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi will make Delhi the biggest hub of conference tourism."