Fri Sep 20 14:53:47 UTC 2024: ## PM Modi Showcases Digital Payments, Supports Artisans at Vishwakarma Programme Event
**Wardha, Maharashtra:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to digital transactions and support for local artisans during a visit to the National ‘PM Vishwakarma’ Programme exhibition in Wardha on Friday.
During the event, PM Modi purchased an artefact from a Vishwakarma artisan using a QR code via UPI, demonstrating the ease and efficiency of digital payments. He also distributed certificates and loans to beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, which provides end-to-end support for artisans and craftspeople.
The PM distributed credit to 18 beneficiaries from different trades and released a commemorative stamp marking the scheme’s first anniversary.
In addition to the PM Vishwakarma scheme, PM Modi also launched two new initiatives in Maharashtra:
* **Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre:** This scheme will establish skill development training centres in colleges across the state, providing free training to 150,000 youths annually.
* **Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme:** This scheme will offer financial assistance of up to Rs 25 lakh to women-led startups in the state.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and MoS for Education Jayant Chaudhary.
First Piper 