Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme and emphasised that in future, technology, tools and training will be essential.
"In the near future, training, technology and tools will be very essential. Under 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme, government has focussed on providing special training to the Vishwakarma partners and Rs 500 will be provided to you while the training is underway. You will also get a Toolkit voucher worth Rs 1,500. Government will also help you in branding, packaging and marketing the products you make. In return, the Government wants you to purchase toolkits from shops that are GST registered only."
Modi, who also inaugurated the international exhibition centre 'Yashobhoomi' at Dwarka in the national capital, further said, "Today the nation has got the International Exhibition Centre Yashobhoomi. The kind of work is done here, it displays the penances of my Vishwakarma brothers. I declare this centre to every Vishwakarma of the nation. This is going to be helpful to the Vishwakarmas. This will be a vibrant centre to make Indian art and handicrafts reach the global level. This will play a huge role in making local products global... The way the spine is essential in our body, our Vishwakarmas are essential for society. Everyday life is unimaginable without them."
He added that "Today, it is the need of the hour to recognise our Vishwakarma partners and support them in every possible way. Our government is working for the development of our Vishwakarma partners. Under this scheme, Vishwakarma partners working under 18 different sectors will be focussed. The government is going to spend Rs 13,000 crores on the PM Vishwakarma' scheme."
On the Vishwakarma scheme, he said, "Today is Vishwakarma Jayanti. This day is dedicated to the artisans and craftspersons of the country. I want to extend my wishes to the people of the country, on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. I am happy that today, I got the opportunity to join our Vishwakarma members. 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme has been launched today which will emerge as a ray of hope for artists and craftspersons."
"Under the scheme, the government will provide up to Rs 3 lakhs loan without any (bank) guarantee. It has also been ensured that the interest rate is also very low. Govt has decided that Rs 1 lakh loan will be given in the beginning and when it is repaid, govt will provide additional Rs 2 lakhs loan to the Vishwakarma partners," he informed.
On the convention centre, Modi said, "Conference tourism is rising in the world which has unlimited possibilities for India. The conference tourism industry is worth more than Rs 25 lakh crores in the world. Every year in the world, more than 32,000 big exhibitions and expo take place. Countries with a population of 2-5 crores also arrange it, our population is 140 crores. People coming for conference tourism spend more money than usual tourists... India's participation is only 1 per cent in this industry. Today's new India is preparing itself for conference tourism. Adventure, medical, spiritual and heritage tourism happen only where there is a necessary environment. Similarly, Conference tourism will also take place where there are facilities for events and meetings. Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi will make Delhi the biggest hub of conference tourism."
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman were also present on the occasion.
118-member foreign delegation takes sacred bath at Maha Kumbh, praises Indian culture
At the Maha Kumbh Mela on Saturday, a special 118-member foreign delegation, including diplomats and Heads of Missions from 77 countries, took a scared dip at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj along with their spouses and expressed their happiness on this auspicious occasion.
Amit Shah to virtually distribute job offer letters in Tripura on Feb 5
Union Home Minister Amit Shah would virtually distribute job offer letters for those selected for multi-tasking staff (Gr-D) posts in the Tripura government on February 5, officials said on Saturday.
North East Japan Caravian begins at Agartala for 2-day
For the first time in Agartala, the embassy of Japan in India jointly with the Japan Foundation in Delhi and the Indian Council for Cultural Relation, North East organised two days long North East Japan Caravian. The caravian has begun here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan from Saturday.
CM Dr Manik Saha hails Union budget, says it’s a blueprint for Viksit Bharat
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday hailed the union government’s budget presented by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the parliament and claimed that the union budget of the Modi government is a blue print for Viksit Bharat.
BSF intensifies operations: Seizes narcotics worth Rs 2.5 Crore, 14 Bangladeshi held
The Border Security Force (BSF), Tripura, has enhanced vigilance and intensified its domination along the international border as since 26th January BSF troops have successfully thwarted several attempts of infiltration, exfiltration, and trans-border smuggling.
Man kills uncle, aunt over land dispute in Bishalgarh
In a shocking incident, a land dispute led to the brutal killing of a couple by their nephew in Bishalgarh sub-division under Sepahijala district late Friday night.
Sachin Tendulkar honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at BCCI Naman Awards 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honoured exceptional achievements in Indian cricket at the prestigious Naman Awards here on Saturday. A historic moment of the evening was the presentation of the coveted Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award to Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar,
Budget 2025-26 to boost incomes of street vendors, spruce up cities
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the setting up of a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for the development of cities and a revamp of the Prime Minister Street Vendors Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) to enhance the earnings of street vendors as part of her Budget proposals.