Beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and the Self Reliant India Fund, artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana, and best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana have been invited as Special Guests to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The invitation, extended by the Ministry of Defence, recognises the contribution of artisans and micro and small entrepreneurs to India’s economic resilience, self-reliance and cultural heritage.
A total of 399 beneficiaries and artisans, along with their spouses, will participate in the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026. The group includes 100 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme with their spouses, 199 artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana with their spouses, 50 beneficiaries of the Self Reliant India Fund with their spouses, and 50 best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana. These special guests represent a wide cross-section of States and Union Territories, reflecting the national footprint of government initiatives aimed at strengthening traditional skills and MSME growth.
As part of the official programme, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Minister of State for MSME Sushri Shobha Karandlaje will host a dinner in honour of the beneficiaries on 25 January 2026 at the National Small Industries Corporation Limited, Okhla, New Delhi. The interaction is intended to acknowledge the achievements of artisans and entrepreneurs while providing them an opportunity to engage with policymakers.
During their stay in the national capital, the special guests will also visit prominent historic monuments and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya. These visits are designed to familiarise the beneficiaries with India’s democratic legacy, freedom movement and cultural heritage, complementing their participation in the Republic Day समारोह.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on 17 September 2023, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades. The scheme focuses on skill upgradation, access to credit, modern tools, branding and market linkages to enhance livelihoods and preserve traditional occupations.
The Self Reliant India Fund is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by providing growth capital to viable MSMEs with defined expansion plans. The fund leverages private sector participation to strengthen the MSME ecosystem and advance the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Khadi Vikas Yojana, a sub-scheme under the Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, is implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission to promote and develop khadi through production support, skill development and market expansion. Mahila Coir Yojana, implemented by the Coir Board, is a women-oriented self-employment scheme that provides training with stipend support and creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women artisans in coconut-producing regions.
The participation of these beneficiaries as Special Guests at the Republic Day Parade underscores the government’s commitment to recognising grassroots contributors, celebrating traditional skills, and placing artisans and MSMEs at the centre of India’s journey towards inclusive and self-reliant growth.
