Artisans, MSME beneficiaries are invited as special guests to the Republic Day parade 2026.
Photo Credit: PIB
New Delhi, January 24, 2026: Artisan and MSME beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, Self-Reliant India (SRI) fund, artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana, and best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana have been invited by the Ministry of Defense as ‘Special Guests’ to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
The Defense Ministry invited 300 beneficiaries of the MSME sector for the Republic Day parade:
A total of 300 beneficiaries, along with their spouses, will attend the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026. This includes: 100 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, 199 artisans trained under the Khadi Vikas Yojana, 50 beneficiaries of the Self-Reliant India (SRI) fund, 50 best-performing women artisans under the Mahila Coir Yojana
The invitees represent various States and Union Territories across the country, reflecting India’s diverse artisans and MSME ecosystem.
As part of the celebrations, Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi and Minister of State for MSME Sushri Shobha Karandlaje will host a dinner in honor of the beneficiaries on January 25, 2026, at the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Okhla, New Delhi.
During their stay in the national capital, the special guests will also visit historic monuments and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, offering them an opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural heritage and democratic journey.
About the schemes:
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades, including skill development, financial assistance, and market linkage.
The Self-Reliant India (SRI) fund is a flagship Government of India initiative designed to strengthen MSMEs by providing growth capital to viable enterprises with clear expansion plans, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through public-private partnership.
The Khadi Vikas Yojana, a sub-scheme under the Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (KGVY), is implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to promote and develop Khadi production and employment.
The Mahila Coir Yojana, implemented by the Coir Board, is a women-centric self-employment scheme aimed at providing skill training, stipends, and livelihood opportunities to rural women artisans in coconut-producing regions.
EOM.
