Chandigarh, August 17 - On the auspicious occasion of Lord Shri Vishwakarma Jayanti and the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, artisans and craftsmen in Haryana got a big gift. Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini launched the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Samman Yojana. Under this scheme, a top-up incentive of Rs 5 thousand will be given to those artisans of Haryana who receive skill training under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.
The Chief Minister was addressing a state-level program organized on Shri Vishwakarma Jayanti and Shramik Diwas celebrations in Rohtak on Wednesday. Former Minister Shri Manish Grover and other distinguished guests were present at the function.
Shri Naib Singh Saini said that it is auspicious that today is the birth anniversary of the great sculptor Lord Shri Vishwakarma Ji. It is also the birthday of the sculptor of the new India of the 21st century, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He bowed to Lord Vishwakarma on behalf of 3.5 crore people of Haryana and extended his birthday greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced to give Rs. 31 lakh to Vishwakarma Shiksha Samiti, Rohtak. Also, he said that on the application of Vishwakarma Samaj, a plot will be allotted as per the rules of Haryana Urban Development Authority. Apart from this, under the Chief Minister's Viya Shagan Yojana, an amount of Rs. 22 crore will be released by September 30 for the marriage of 4200 daughters in the state. He said that registration under Deen Dayal Lado Laxmi Yojana will start soon and soon the sisters will be given a benefit of Rs. 2100 per month.
The Chief Minister, while paying homage to the divine sculptor, Lord Vishwakarma Ji, said that this day is to show respect to all those hardworking, honest workers, who are writing the story of the country's development with their hard work. He said that Lord Shri Vishwakarma Ji had inspired us to work hard through karma kaushal. With his inspiration, from ancient times till today, due to the labor and skill of his lakhs of seekers, we have developed.

*So far 41,366 applicants have registered in PM Vishwakarma Yojana in Haryana, 30,655 artisans have completed skill training
The Chief Minister said that today there are also challenges, tools are expensive, designs change, it is difficult to reach the market and credit is required. Understanding these facts, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana. In this scheme, skill training is given to artisans, a daily stipend of Rs 500 is given during training and a tool kit is also given. Loans are also given at a nominal interest rate for business. Not only this, help is given for product verification, branding, promotion. Access to e-commerce and JAM portals is also given so that artisans can sell their products anywhere in the country and abroad.
He said that this scheme is being implemented in Haryana. 41,366 applicants have been registered in the state. Out of these, skill training of 30,655 artisans has been completed and tool kits have also been given to about 12 thousand artisans. Apart from this, loans worth Rs. 56 crore have been given to 6 thousand artisans. The state government has established Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in Dadhaula, Palwal district. This university has emerged as a unique model of skill education for the entire country.

*India moved towards becoming the third largest economy in the world on the strength of its economic power
Shri Naib Singh Saini said that today the country is moving forward rapidly. After becoming the fourth strongest economy in the world, India has now taken steps towards becoming the third strongest economy. This progress of the country has been achieved only on the strength of the workforce. The Prime Minister has set the target of a developed India by the year 2047. The workforce will also play an important role in achieving this target.
He said that the benefits of the welfare schemes being run for registered workers working in building construction and industries are being given through DBT. The lungs of the workers working in building construction and industries are affected by the serious disease of silicosis, for which a rehabilitation policy has been implemented. An amount of about Rs 38 crore has been provided so far under this policy. Awards are given to the best workers under the Chief Minister's Labour Award Scheme. Under the Kanyadan scheme, a bride price of Rs 1 lakh 1 thousand is given to the working families for the marriage of their daughters. Similarly, a shagun amount of Rs 21 thousand is also given on the marriage of the son himself.
He said that the Haryana Unorganized Workers Social Security Board has been formed for the welfare of workers working in the unorganized sector. Under various welfare schemes, Haryana Bhavan and other Construction Workers Welfare Boards have spent Rs 3,866 crore for the welfare of construction workers in the last 11 years. The Haryana Labour Welfare Board has also spent about Rs 778 crore for the welfare of workers in the last 11 years. The Chief Minister appealed that we should take a resolution that we will respect the artisans. We will strengthen them and make them prosperous. We will make vocal for local a way of life.

*Exhibition reviewed
Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini visited the exhibition on the life of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, organized by the Information, Public Relations and Language Department at the Bhagwan Shri Vishwakarma Jayanti Celebration Venue. The exhibition showcased Shri Narendra Modi's schemes dedicated to public service as well as his efficient working style. The Director General of the department Shri K. Makrand Pandurang shared detailed information about the exhibition.

*Artisans honored
On this occasion, the Chief Minister awarded the first prize of Rs 3 lakh to Mahendra Kumar of Faridabad in the terracotta category, Rs 3 lakh to Deepak of Kurukshetra in the wood and bamboo craft category, Rs 3 lakh to Shiv Kumar of Rewari in metal, Rs 3 lakh to Khemraj of Panipat in handlooms, Rs 51 thousand to Surendra Kumar of Rewari in the Chitrakala area and Rs 51 thousand to Kedar of Faridabad in terracotta.

*Such events are inspiring for youth power-Krishan Lal Panwar
Development and Panchayat and Development Minister Shri Krishan Lal Panwar, while bowing to Lord Shri Vishwakarma, said that such events are inspiring for youth power. He said that such events organized by the Haryana government under the Sant Mahapurkhan Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana make us aware of the working style of great personalities. He said that today, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini, similar development works are being done in the state. The government is taking significant steps in the direction of service and good governance. The development taking place in urban as well as rural areas is important in realizing the vision of a developed India.

*Vishvakarma Samaj is the backbone of a self-reliant India - Dr. Arvind Sharma
On this occasion, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said in his address that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi clearly emphasized in his message today that to make the country self-reliant, we have to increase the use of indigenous producers. Be it textiles, automobiles or other things, the concept of Vocal for Local will prove decisive in making India a developed nation. He said that Vishwakarma society is the backbone of the country and the role of this society will be special in building a self-reliant India.
Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Prime Minister had launched the PM Vishwakarma Yojana on 17 September 2023. The aim of this scheme is to provide financial assistance, modern equipment, training and market access to artisans of 18 traditional professions such as carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, cobblers etc. so that they can become self-reliant and empowered. The Haryana government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini is leaving no stone unturned in implementing all the schemes of the Central Government.

*Employment being provided to the youth in a transparent manner-Ranbir Gangwa
Public Health Engineering Minister Shri Ranbir Gangwa said that the state government is celebrating the birth anniversary of all the saints, it is a matter of pride for all of us. He said that today is the 75th birthday of the Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi. Many awareness programs will be organized from today till October 2. He said that under the leadership of the BJP government, youth are getting jobs. He bowed to Lord Shri Vishwakarma and appealed to walk on the path shown by him.

*Walking on the ideals of Lord Vishwakarma ji, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking him to new heights - O.P. Dhankhar
Former Minister and National Secretary of BJP, Shri O.P. Dhankhar said that today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is taking the country to new heights in the same direction that Lord Vishwakarma ji had established for the development of the world. Just as Lord Vishwakarma shaped the world, similarly Shri Narendra Modi is continuously working for the complete development of India. Haryana Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini is also taking his vision forward in the state. Today, India has become the fourth largest economy in the world and will soon reach the third position. He said that India has the capacity to compete with big powers and the biggest contribution in this will be made by Vishwakarma Samaj.

*Brotherhood is alive again in Haryana under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini-Ramchandra Jangra
Rajya Sabha MP Shri Ramchandra Jangra said that Haryana has been a symbol of brotherhood, mutual help and sociability for centuries. Today, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini, that tradition is being revived. He said that Vishwakarma Samaj and all other brotherhoods have helped all the societies in their respective roles and Haryana is being made self-reliant and prosperous. He said that the mutual brotherhood of 36 brotherhoods is the real identity of Haryana and the Chief Minister is continuously making efforts to strengthen it further.