Ministry of MSME Inaugurates Second PM Vishwakarma Airport Stall
The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has established the second operational PM Vishwakarma scheme stall at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh, inaugurated on July 14, 2026. This initiative follows the first operational stall at Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, marking an expansion of the program's airport market access strategy.
The Chandigarh stall is operated by three PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries from Chandigarh: Shri Beju Tulsidas (skilled basket maker), Kumari Shaista Rani (doll and toy maker), and Shri Rahul Kumar (potter). The stall has been set up with support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and a Self-Help Group (SHG), providing these artisans with a platform to showcase and sell their handcrafted products.
Key features of the initiative include providing space at high-footfall locations like international airports to help PMV beneficiaries gain better visibility and wider customer exposure, including domestic and international travelers. The program enables artisans to engage directly with customers, understand market preferences, enhance product presentation, and explore new growth avenues while promoting India's rich traditional craftsmanship and supporting the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a flagship government initiative launched in 2023 to support traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades who work with their hands and tools. The scheme provides comprehensive support through recognition, skill training, modern toolkit assistance, collateral-free credit, digital transaction incentives, and market linkage opportunities, aiming to improve product quality and market reach while helping artisans access better livelihood opportunities.