Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has inaugurated the event here at Agartala Rabindra Bhavan on Friday. The Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha after inaugurating the event said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM-Vishwakarma scheme for the overall development of all the traditional artisans and artists of our country who were never recognized before.He said that the main objective of the project is to provide facilities to the traditional artisans and artists associated with 18 selected trades including carpenters, masons, barbers, washermen, malakars, tailors, doll and toy makers. The scheme provides benefits like skill training, collateral-free loans, modern machinery or equipment, incentives for digital transactions etc. to the artisans, he added.The chief minister also said that the condition of the state’s rural economy is now much better with the increase of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The Self Help Groups are being supported through various welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments. Besides, the self-help groups are also getting credit facilities from the banks.

Meanwhile, The Union Minister of Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday claimed that the state of Tripura has made a significant progress in executing the Centre’s PM Vishwakarma scheme, which aims to enhance the rural economy.He made this remark while attending the inauguration of three-day long exhibition and fair on PM-Vishwakarma Scheme. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has inaugurated the event here at Agartala Rabindra Bhavan on Friday.Addressing the event, the Union Minister said that various programs are being implemented across the country under the PM-Vishwakarma project. The main objective of this project is to generate income for the poor section of the society, he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid special emphasis on self-employment through micro, small and medium enterprises. It is in this view that the prime minister has taken this initiative so that the people of rural areas can live comfortably, he added.He also claimed that Tripura has made significant progress in implementing the PM-Vishwakarma scheme among the North Eastern regions. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of building a self-reliant and developed India would be realized through the implementation of the development programme.

Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma said on the occasion that special importance has been given to micro, small and medium industries in the formation of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Atmanirbhar Tripura. She expressed hope that the quality of life of artisans associated with 18 traditional professions will improve through this project.