Wardha (Maharashtra): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday purchased an artefact of Lord Jagannath at the National 'PM Vishwakarma' Programme exhibition in Maharashtra's Wardha, and made the payment digitally using a QR code via UPI.
PM Modi bought the artefact from a Vishwakarma artisan during the event, highlighting the government's push for digital transactions and support for local artisans.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited an exhibition organised on the sidelines of the National 'PM Vishwakarma' Programme in Wardha.
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 were also present at the event.
The Prime Minister also distributed certificates and loans to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, symbolising the tangible support provided to artisans through the scheme. He distributed credit under the PM Vishwakarma scheme to 18 beneficiaries from 18 different trades.
In tribute to their legacy and enduring contribution to society, he released a commemorative stamp marking one year of progress under the PM Vishwakarma scheme.
The National 'PM Vishwakarma' Programme celebrates one year of progress since the launch of the scheme on September 17, 2023. The PM Vishwakarma scheme, a Central Sector initiative, is aimed at providing end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
During the event in Wardha, the Prime Minister also launched the "Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre" scheme of the Maharashtra government.
This initiative aims to establish skill development training centres in renowned colleges across the state, providing training to youths aged 15 to 45, to help them become self-reliant and access various employment opportunities. Around 1,50,000 youths across the state will receive free skill development training annually.
PM Modi further launched the "Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme," which offers early-stage support to women-led startups in Maharashtra. Under this scheme, financial assistance of up to Rs 25 lakh will be provided to eligible startups.
