Fri Sep 20 19:53:56 UTC 2024: ## PM Modi Showcases Support for Artisans, Launches Skill Development Schemes in Maharashtra

**Wardha, Maharashtra:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited Wardha, Maharashtra, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The visit saw him engage with local artisans, showcasing his support for traditional crafts and encouraging their economic empowerment.

During the event, PM Modi distributed certificates to PM Vishwakarma Yojana beneficiaries and interacted with artisans displaying their products in a theme pavilion. He purchased an artefact of Lord Jagannath from one of the artisans, making a digital payment using UPI. This gesture has been widely appreciated on social media, with many praising the Prime Minister for acknowledging the hard work of artisans.

PM Modi also unveiled a commemorative stamp published by India Post in honor of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Over 1 lakh beneficiaries received digital ID cards and digital skill certificates, while 75,000 received digital loan sanction letters. The Prime Minister also distributed loan cheques to 18 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized the positive impact of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana on countless artisans, preserving their skills and promoting economic growth. He encouraged the artisans to become entrepreneurs and leverage the scheme’s benefits for greater success.

The event also saw the launch of two Maharashtra government schemes: the ‘Acharya Chanakya Kaushalya Vikas Scheme’ and the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme.’ The former aims to provide free skill development training to youths aged 15 to 45, establishing training centers in renowned colleges across the state. The latter aims to support women-led startups in Maharashtra, providing financial assistance of up to Rs 25 lakh to aid their growth.

PM Modi’s visit to Wardha highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting artisans and empowering the youth through skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities. The launch of these new initiatives is expected to contribute significantly to Maharashtra’s economic growth and social development.

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