PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates ‘Yashobhoomi’ and Launches ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Sep17, 2023: In a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the India International Convention and Expo Centre, aptly named ‘Yashobhoomi,’ in Dwarka, New Delhi today. This grand complex includes a magnificent Convention Centre, multiple Exhibition halls, and various other state-of-the-art facilities. On the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Prime Minister Modi also unveiled the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. This momentous event witnessed the launch of the PM Vishwakarma logo, tagline, and portal, along with the release of a customized stamp sheet, a toolkit e-booklet, and a video presentation. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi personally presented Vishwakarma Certificates to 18 beneficiaries.
As the event began, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a tour of the exhibition area, which showcased the ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ (the age-old tradition of the master-apprentice relationship) and the integration of new technology in traditional crafts. He also inspected a 3D model representing ‘Yashobhoomi.’ Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line, which now includes a new metro station named ‘Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.’
Speaking at launch of PM Vishwakarma Yojana at the newly inaugurated Yashobhoomi convention centre. https://t.co/aOpIO1aW5z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 17, 2023
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi extended his heartfelt wishes on Vishwakarma Jayanti and emphasized its significance for traditional artisans and craftspeople. He expressed his delight at the opportunity to connect with millions of Vishwakarmas from across the country and lauded the exhibition that showcased their exceptional craftsmanship. He urged citizens to visit the exhibition, which he deemed an immersive experience.
For the countless artisans and their families, the ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ represents a ray of hope, as mentioned by Prime Minister Modi. He acknowledged the pivotal role Vishwakarmas play in society, regardless of technological advancements. Recognizing and supporting Vishwakarmas is not only a need of the hour but also a tribute to India’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Prime Minister Modi revealed that the government is committed to elevating the status, enhancing the skills, and improving the prosperity of Vishwakarmas. The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ encompasses 18 focus areas, including carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, sculpting, pottery, cobbling, tailoring, masonry, and more, with a budget allocation of Rs 13,000 crores.
आज भगवान विश्वकर्मा की जयंती है।
ये दिन हमारे पारंपरिक कारीगरों और शिल्पकारों को समर्पित है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/19nim8CHGu
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2023
Highlighting the growing global demand for handmade products, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of integrating Vishwakarma artisans into the global supply chain. The scheme aims to modernize and equip Vishwakarma friends with training, technology, and tools essential for their trade. During training, artisans will receive a daily allowance of Rs 500, and they will be eligible for a toolkit voucher worth Rs 15,000. The government will also assist with branding, packaging, and marketing of their products. Prime Minister Modi encouraged the purchase of toolkits from GST-registered shops and emphasized the importance of ‘Made in India’ products.
Furthermore, Vishwakarma friends can avail collateral-free finance with low-interest rates, extending up to Rs 3 lakhs without the need for collateral, as assured by Prime Minister Modi. The government’s initiatives, including ‘One District, One Product,’ the PM Svanidhi Scheme for street vendors, and facilities for ‘divyangs’ (persons with disabilities), reaffirm the government’s commitment to uplifting the marginalized sections of society.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the significance of ‘Vocal for Local’ and urged citizens to buy local products, particularly those crafted by Vishwakarmas, during upcoming festivals. He emphasized that India is crafting a new identity across sectors and showcased how ‘Yashobhoomi’ aligns with the nation’s vision. He referred to the complex as a hub for conference tourism and expressed confidence that it would generate employment opportunities. ‘Yashobhoomi’ is set to attract international conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, further establishing India’s global presence.
The Prime Minister invited stakeholders associated with the exhibition and event industry worldwide to utilize ‘Yashobhoomi’ and foster collaborations. He envisioned ‘Yashobhoomi’ and ‘Bharat Mandapam’ as symbols of India’s hospitality, excellence, and grandeur, showcasing India’s story to the world. Prime Minister Modi encouraged citizens to continue setting new goals, striving for them, and working together to transform India into a developed country by 2047.
Union Ministers for Finance, Commerce and Industry, Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Union Minister of State for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, among others, attended the event.
Yashobhoomi: A Beacon of India’s MICE Infrastructure
‘Yashobhoomi’ represents Prime Minister Modi’s vision of establishing world-class infrastructure in India for hosting meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. This sprawling complex spans over 8.9 lakh square meters, with a built-up area exceeding 1.8 lakh square meters, ranking among the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities.
Developed at a cost of approximately Rs 5,400 crores, ‘Yashobhoomi’ boasts a magnificent Convention Centre covering more than 73 thousand square meters. It features 15 convention rooms, including the Main Auditorium, the Grand Ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms, accommodating a total of 11,000 delegates. The Convention Center also boasts the largest LED media façade in the country, offering a unique experience. The Grand Ballroom, with its petal ceiling design, can host around 2,500 guests.
The expansive Exhibition halls, occupying over 1.07 lakh square meters, are designed for exhibitions, trade fairs, and business events. They are linked to a grand foyer space with a copper ceiling filtering natural light through skylights. The foyer accommodates various support areas, including Media rooms, VVIP lounges, cloak facilities, a visitor information center, and ticketing services.
The architecture of ‘Yashobhoomi’ reflects Indian culture and heritage, with terrazzo floors featuring Brass inlays, suspended sound-absorbent metal cylinders, and lit-up patterned walls. Sustainability is a priority, with advanced wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, and Platinum certification from the CII’s Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
The complex ensures visitors’ safety with cutting-edge security measures and offers underground parking for over 3,000 cars, including more than 100 electric charging points. Additionally, ‘Yashobhoomi’ is connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line through the newly inaugurated ‘Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’ metro station.
PM Vishwakarma Scheme – Nurturing Traditional Artisans:
मैं आज 'यशोभूमि' को देश के हर श्रमिक को समर्पित करता हूं, हर विश्वकर्मा साथी को समर्पित करता हूं: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/zCVApNOf3V
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2023
The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ is an initiative dedicated to supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. The scheme will receive full funding from the Union Government, with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crores.
Under this scheme, Vishwakarmas will be registered for free through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will receive recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill enhancement through basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support of up to Rs 3 lakhs at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support.
The scheme covers 18 traditional crafts, including carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, sculpting, pottery, cobbling, tailoring, masonry, and more, with a total expenditure of Rs 13,000 crores. It aims to empower artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas, ensuring their integration into domestic and global value chains.
‘PM Vishwakarma’ emphasizes preserving the ‘Guru-Shishya parampara,’ strengthening the age-old tradition of family-based practice among Vishwakarmas. It is committed to enhancing the quality and reach of artisans’ products and services, promoting their integration with both domestic and global markets.
