Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 17 (ANI): Aimed to encourage and promote the rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts of India and assist artisans in transitioning to formal economy integration into global value chains, an event was organised in Visakhapatnam today on the occasion of Viswakarma Jayanti.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Central Sector Scheme PM Vishwakarma Scheme at New Delhi today. On the same day, events were organized at about seventy locations in different parts of the country to spread wider awareness among potential beneficiaries.

At Visakhapatnam the function was organised at Sagarmala Conventions, Kailasapuram.

The welcome address was given by Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations) of Waltair Division of East Coast Railway Manoj Kumar Sahoo.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Devusinh Chauhan, the Minister of State for Communications of India greeted all the delegates in telugu and said, "Visakhapatnam is the hub of Employees with the vast infrastructure, organisations, industries like Railways, Navy and is by default a rich source of employment for Viswakarmis."The scheme, which is aimed to support traditional artisans and craftspeople by providing skill training, credit support, incentive for digital transaction, toolkit incentive and marketing support, would really achieve its goal in this city, he added.

Elaborating various schemes and incentives initiated by the Central Government lead by Narendra Modi, he said India has the immense potential of rich heritage to lead the global market in economy and manufacturing sectors.

He also appreciated Waltair Division for setting up of One Station One Product (OSOP) Stalls with Etikoppaka toys at Visakhapatnam and the excellent arrangements made for this launch program.

Minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment and Commerce, Gudivada Amarnath, said that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy soon and encouraging traditional crafts of India and providing assistance to artisans is a welcoming move by the Prime Minister of India.

CEO of Gandham Agro and Gandham Flora, Suneetha Gandham, in her address gave important initiatives taken by the Government of India and Andhra Pradesh towards upliftment of skilled artisans in the unorganised sector and said that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme would definitely give boost to the traditional economy of India.

Several artisans, skilled workers, craftsmen were felicitated by the guests on this occasion.

Later the through video link from New Delhi various activities by Prime Minister were showed to the audience at Visakhapatnam, where he addressed the people at various locations and gave brief details of the scheme and its benefits.

Apart from Chief Guest Devusinh Chauhan MoS for Communications, Gudivada Amarnath Minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment and Commerce, GVL Narasimha Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and ZRUCC Member, Saurabh Prasad Divisional Railway Manager, Waltair, Manoj Kumar Sahoo ADRM (operations) and Sudhir Kumar Gupta ADRM (Infra) and Suneetha Gandham CEO of Gandham Agro and Gandham Flora were present at the event. (ANI)