Bihar: Exhibition-Cum-Trade Fair Organised Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana In Rajgir

(MENAFN- IANS) Patna, March 16 (IANS) A two-day exhibition and trade fair is currently underway at the International Convention Centre in Rajgir. The event, organized by the MSME Development Office (Patna), is attracting large crowds and showcasing a wide variety of products.

The exhibition and trade fair was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi. The main goal of the fair is to provide a platform for traditional artisans and craftspeople to display their skills while expanding the market for their products.

Many artisans from different districts of Bihar, involved in the PM Vishwakarma Yojana—including carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, goldsmiths, tailors, masons, cobblers, and barbers—have contributed significantly by displaying their handcrafted items. Visitors are admiring these products and supporting local artisans by purchasing indigenous goods.

This initiative is helping artisans market their products and increase their income.

Several attendees shared that the training and financial support provided through the scheme have given their traditional trades a new dimension. Some artisans are using modern machinery to create innovative products, while many women have found employment from home through sewing, embroidery, and other crafts.

Many beneficiaries said that the scheme has empowered them to become self-reliant, and the fair has given them a chance to showcase their talents, connect with new customers, and improve their employment and income prospects.

Artisans and beneficiaries attending the fair shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising the initiative.

They mentioned that the scheme has strengthened their traditional crafts and provided access to modern technology, financial aid, and new opportunities.

Sanoj Kumar from Gaya and Ghanshyam Vishwakarma from Rohtas reported receiving a loan of Rs 1 lakh after their training.

Ghanshyam is making nameplates and cutting acrylic with a CNC machine, while Sanoj is creating beautiful statues of Lord Buddha. They noted that after repaying their initial loan, they will be eligible for an additional Rs 2 lakh loan to further grow their businesses.

Jyoti Kumari from Biharsharif and Sinku Devi from Saluganj shared that, along with their tailoring training, they received a stipend and a complete toolkit, including a free motorized sewing machine.

Pratima Devi from Masaurhi, who runs a small shop and makes toys, praised the scheme as one that empowers them socially and financially.

Aditya Raj from Patna shared that after a five-day free training program at ITI Digha, he received a certificate and a toolkit worth about Rs 15,000, including appliances like a washing machine and an iron, enabling him to work with modern methods.

Arvind Ravidas, a sculptor from Gaya, said he learned techniques for creating new products aligned with market demand and diversifying his craft.

Notably, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a central government scheme that aims to provide comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftsmen to help scale up their products and services.