New Delhi, 14 August (H.S.):

The Central Government has invited 100 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme from the Delhi-NCR region as special guests for the Independence Day celebrations to be held at the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15. The beneficiaries will attend the national ceremony along with their spouses or companions.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on Friday, the special guests include women artisans engaged in various traditional occupations. Their participation highlights the scheme's contribution to strengthening women's economic empowerment, increasing their participation in employment and reinforcing their role in preserving India's rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Honouring and Appreciating the Beneficiaries

According to the ministry, the PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries will also be presented with mementoes as a mark of recognition and appreciation. On August 14, they will participate in an interaction with officials of the Ministry of MSME at the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi, where they will be recognised for their contributions to India's traditional crafts and cultural heritage.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is one of the Central Government's flagship initiatives aimed at supporting artisans and craftspeople engaged in traditional trades. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive support through skill upgradation, modern tools, financial assistance, digital empowerment and market linkages. The initiative seeks to promote the socio-economic empowerment of artisans, strengthen traditional crafts and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Under the scheme, 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople have been registered.

Recognising the Contribution of Traditional Artisans and Craftspeople

The invited beneficiaries belong to 18 traditional trades covered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. These include tailors, carpenters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, locksmiths and several other occupations.

The beneficiaries invited for the Independence Day celebrations have availed themselves of various benefits under the scheme, including registration, basic skill training and access to toolkits, along with other forms of assistance available under the initiative.

Inviting PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries as special guests is an opportunity to recognise and honour the contribution of India's traditional artisans and craftspeople. Their presence at the Red Fort will allow them to witness the grand Independence Day celebrations and become part of the country's historic national festivities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar