India Celebrates Third Anniversary of PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises celebrated the third anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme on September 18, 2026, at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, the initiative provides traditional artisans with skill training, modern toolkits, institutional credit, and market linkages.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi reported that 30 lakh beneficiaries have registered nationwide. Of these, 24.50 lakh have received basic skill training and 6.18 lakh have accessed concessional loans totaling Rs 5,297 crore. The event represented the first Ministry of MSME program under the scheme in West Bengal, which joined the initiative in May.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the state has received over 7 lakh applications and pledged to expedite support for local artisans. During the ceremony, officials distributed certificates, toolkits, and cheques of Rs 1.00 lakh to local beneficiaries. Union Minister of State for MSME Sushri Shobha Karandlaje highlighted the contributions of women entrepreneurs to the program's success, while West Bengal Minister Dipak Barman described the scheme as transformative for sustainable livelihoods.