Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 73rd birthday launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme in New Delhi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. The scheme aims to provide government support to workers engaged in traditional crafts and skills.
On this occasion, an Odia man Basanta Kumar Rana from Puri was among the many people who were felicitated by the Prime Minister for their contribution to traditional crafts and skills. Basanta Rana a ‘Tahia’ craftsman was on cloud nine after being honoured by the PM himself.
“I’m overwhelmed and feel extremely happy as my efforts have been recognized by the PM. I cannot express how happy I’m feeling right now. The government has provided us with PM Vishwakarma certificates for our works,” said an emotional Rana.
Known for his craftsmanship, Rana mostly is involved in making different ‘beshas’ of Lord Jagannath. He makes Lord Jagannath’s ‘Tahia’ for the ‘Nagarjuna Besha’ and ‘Hathi Besha’. He was felicitated in New Delhi during the launch of the scheme.
First announced during this Independence Day, the PM Vishwakarma scheme has been launched to help enhance the skills of traditional craftsmen and workers and help them avail loans easily to aid their earnings.