Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Suvendu Adhikari Links Central Scheme Uptake to Government Changes
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari spoke about government schemes for workers and artisans.
He said some state governments did not use central government schemes.
He claimed that voters later changed those governments.
He especially criticized the previous West Bengal government for not implementing the PM Vishwakarma scheme.
The current government says about 7.7 lakh artisans are registered for the scheme in the state.
Around two lakh applications are active, and more than 3,000 have been approved.
West Bengal also launched Ayushman Bharat in August, according to Adhikari.
Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said millions of people have received training and toolkits through PM Vishwakarma.
The state plans to hold a larger Vishwakarma Day event outdoors from 2027.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari claimed states that did not implement central schemes later experienced changes in government.
Adhikari cited Delhi, Odisha and West Bengal, saying voters brought about those changes.
He accused the previous West Bengal government of blocking implementation of the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other central programmes.
About 7.7 lakh artisans are registered on West Bengal’s Vishwakarma portal, with roughly two lakh active applications.
Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said 30 lakh people had been trained and 18 lakh toolkits distributed under PM Vishwakarma in three years.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi addressed the event.
- What
- They discussed the implementation and expansion of central government schemes, especially PM Vishwakarma, in West Bengal.
- When
- The event was held on September 17, during the third anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma scheme.
- Where
- The programme took place in West Bengal; Adhikari said future Vishwakarma Day celebrations would be held at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
- Why
- The event commemorated three years of PM Vishwakarma and highlighted government support for artisans, healthcare and entrepreneurship.
- PM Vishwakarma registrations
- About 7.7 lakh artisans are registered on the scheme’s portal in West Bengal.
- Active applications
- Around two lakh applications are active in the state.
- Approvals
- More than 3,000 PM Vishwakarma applications have reportedly been approved after processing powers were delegated to secretaries.
- Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries
- Around 10,000 people, including 2,000 migrant labourers, had reportedly used the scheme in West Bengal since its August 16 launch.
- National training
- Jitan Ram Manjhi said 30 lakh people had been trained under PM Vishwakarma in three years.
- Toolkits distributed
- The Union minister said 18 lakh free toolkits had been distributed.
- Planned event change
- From September 17, 2027, West Bengal plans to hold Vishwakarma Day in an open ground rather than an indoor hall.