PM Narendra Modi participated in an event organised on the occasion of the first anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at Wardha. During this program, he distributed ID cards, certificates, skill certificates, and loans to the beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Additionally, the Prime Minister conducted the e-bhoomi poojan (virtual foundation ceremony) for the PM Mitra Park in Amravati and inaugurated two key initiatives by the Maharashtra state government: 1,000 Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centers and the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Women Startup Scheme. The event was attended by Governor Dr. C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Forest and Guardian Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Industries Minister Uday Samant, and Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "The Government of India's Skill India Mission is strengthening skill development efforts across the nation. Today, youth are being equipped with skills that meet the evolving needs of the modern world. Campaigns like Skill India have earned global recognition for India's workforce. Through the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, we aim to breathe new life into traditional craftsmanship and skills. This scheme provides a well-defined roadmap to leverage India's centuries-old traditional skills to fulfill the vision of a developed nation. Our focus is to transform artisans into entrepreneurs so that they contribute significantly to the economy and become part of supply chain systems," said Prime Minister Modi.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde noted that the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centers and the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Women Startup Scheme will play a pivotal role in boosting the economic and social progress of women and other communities in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for the PM Mitra Park in Amravati, which will provide integrated facilities, ranging from cotton to fabric manufacturing and even fashion industries.
Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha had earlier announced the establishment of skill development centers in 1,000 colleges across Maharashtra to help students acquire practical skills in addition to their academic knowledge. The initiative received an overwhelming response, with numerous colleges applying for participation. Each center will offer free skill training to 150 students annually, within the age group of 15 to 45. The program is expected to benefit 1.5 lakh students every year across the state.
In the first phase of the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Women Startup Scheme, several women-led startups have been selected, and they will receive special financial assistance of up to Rs. 25 lakh each. These startups are involved in various sectors, including arts and crafts, agriculture, modern technology, and healthcare. The second phase of the scheme is now underway, with applications being invited through the Maharashtra State Innovation Society. The government has allocated Rs. 100 crore for this initiative, and financial assistance ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh will be provided to around 500 women-led startups.