PM Vishwakarma Fair in Ludhiana Attracts Strong Public Response

Ludhiana: A two-day PM Vishwakarma Exhibition-cum-Trade Fair concluded successfully at the MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), bringing traditional artisans and modern buyers onto a common platform.

Around 100 beneficiaries of the central government’s PM Vishwakarma scheme participated in the exhibition, presenting a wide range of handcrafted products and manually crafted tools. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of nearly 2,000 visitors over the weekend, creating strong direct market exposure for local artisans.

For many participants, the fair offered a valuable opportunity to sell their products directly to customers, eliminating middlemen and increasing profit margins. Representatives of the artisans described the response as highly encouraging and motivating.

Plans for Extended Future Exhibitions

Pankaj Kumar Jha, Joint Director and Head of Office at MSME-DFO Ludhiana, acknowledged the enthusiastic participation and indicated that a proposal would be sent to the ministry to consider extending the duration of such exhibitions in the future.

Addressing Loan Delays and Financial Support

The event was not limited to product display and sales. It also served as a coordination platform to resolve financial challenges faced by beneficiaries under the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

Meetings were conducted with Lead District Managers (LDMs) from Punjab and Chandigarh to review pending loan applications. Deputy Director Ishita Thaman led discussions focused on speeding up loan approvals and ensuring timely disbursement of funds. Officials emphasized the need to remove bottlenecks in the banking system so that artisans can access financial support without unnecessary delays.

Focus on Digital and Marketing Skills

Recognizing the importance of modernization, the MSME-DFO organized awareness sessions on digital tools and marketing strategies. Marketing expert Ganga Ram guided artisans on:

• Product branding and improved packaging

• Transitioning from raw goods to retail-ready products

• Leveraging e-commerce platforms and social media

• Learning from successful local case studies

These sessions aimed to help traditional craftsmen adapt to changing market dynamics and expand their reach beyond local markets.

Commitment to Strengthening the MSME Ecosystem

The exhibition concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to all exhibitors. Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering traditional “Vishwakarmas” by integrating them more effectively into India’s growing MSME ecosystem.