Union Minister of State for for Railways, Coal and Mines Rao saheb Patil Danve said that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will provide a major boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme. He was addressing at the event to mark the launch of the PM Vishwakarma scheme in Mumbai on 17th September 2023.  He said that traditional artisans and craftsmen are migrating to cities in order to find employment. The scheme help them to earn their livelihood in their villages and will strengthen rural economy. He said that the scheme has a provision of collateral-free credit support up to one lakh rupees in the first tranche and two lakh rupees in the second tranche at a concessional interest rate of five percent; this will help the Vishwakarmas to save themselves of the trap of money lenders. The scheme will also provide a boost to the handicrafts industry and preserve our traditional arts and crafts.

The Union Minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been dedicated to 'Garib Kalyan'.  He asked everyone not to celebrate his birthday and he requested everyone to observe a Seva Saptah for the benefit of the citizens of the country.