Published on: April 28, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh, attended the district-level Vishwakarma Jayanti celebration and Youth Introduction Meet held at the Mohara Madai Mela Grounds in Rajnandgaon. In a significant announcement, he pledged ₹10 lakh for the construction of a community building for the Lohar Samaj.
Extending heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Dr. Singh lauded the contributions of the hardworking and skilled Lohar community. “From Vedic times till today, the Lohar community has played a crucial role in shaping India’s social fabric. With their technical skills, they have contributed to village development and the crafting of arms and tools,” he said.
Dr. Singh highlighted that the government, through the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme, is providing financial assistance to traditional artisans and craftsmen. In the first phase, ₹1 lakh is being provided, followed by ₹2 lakh in the second phase, at just 5% interest rates to promote entrepreneurship and preserve traditional crafts.
He further stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is committed to inclusive development. Initiatives such as the Krishak Unnati Yojana are ensuring paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana is directly benefitting 70 lakh women by providing ₹1,000 per month into their bank accounts.
Speaking about the vibrant community spirit, Dr. Singh said, “The Lohar community is remarkable for its practice of resolving internal disputes through community consensus. I urge the community to consider organizing mass weddings after youth introduction meets to further strengthen social bonds.”
He also announced that Shri Praful Vishwakarma has been appointed as the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Iron Craftsmen Development Board, a move aimed at bringing new opportunities to the community.
During the event, women engaged in traditional tool-making activities such as forging and blacksmithing were honored. Several dignitaries, including State President of the Lohar Vishwakarma Samaj, Mr. Dhaniram Vishwakarma, State Vice-President Mr. Babulal Vishwakarma, and District President Mr. Radhelal Vishwakarma, addressed the gathering.
Prominent personalities like social worker Komal Singh Rajput, District Panchayat President Kiran Vaishnav, Ravindra Vaishnav, Councilor Alok Shroti, Prakhar Gupta, Municipal Commissioner Atul Vishwakarma, and SDM Rajnandgaon Khem Lal Verma were also present at the grand celebration.
The event not only highlighted the enduring contributions of the Lohar community but also showcased the government’s commitment to uplift and integrate traditional artisans into the mainstream of development.