Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Maharashtra, marking a significant step toward rejuvenating India?s ancient textile industry. Spanning 1,000 acres, this park is being developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) as the State Implementation Agency.

During his address at the event, which coincided with the National 'PM Vishwakarma' Programme celebrating a year of progress, PM Modi emphasized the government's vision to restore the textile sector to its historic prominence. ?Our target is to regain the lost glory of thousands of years of India?s textiles sector,? he declared, highlighting the initiative's potential to uplift countless artisans while preserving their skills and fostering economic growth.

Key highlights from PM Modi's speech include:

• Cultural Significance: ?Today, we are celebrating the Utsav of PM Vishwakarma scheme?s success,? he noted, recalling Mahatma Gandhi?s campaign against untouchability that began on this day in 1932. Modi expressed confidence that the Vishwakarma Yojana would invigorate India?s development aspirations.
• Global Ambitions: The Prime Minister announced that the foundation stone for the PM MITRA Park in Amravati has been laid, reinforcing India?s goal to elevate its textile industry on the global stage.
• Support for Artisans: ?So far, modern equipment has also been provided to more than 6.5 lakh Vishwakarma Bandhus, improving the quality and productivity of their products,? he explained. Beneficiaries are also receiving e-vouchers worth Rs 15,000 and access to loans up to Rs 3 lakh without guarantee, amounting to a total of Rs 1,400 crore disbursed within the year.
• Inclusive Development: PM Modi stressed that the Vishwakarma Yojana has significantly benefited SC, ST, and OBC communities, criticizing past governments for neglecting these groups. ?We have eradicated this anti-Dalit, anti-backward mindset of Congress from the government system,? he asserted.
• Focus on Agriculture: He criticized the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government for allegedly failing Maharashtra?s cotton farmers, claiming their policies led to widespread distress instead of prosperity.

In addition to the textile park, PM Modi launched the "Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Centre" scheme aimed at empowering youth. Skill development training centres will be established in renowned colleges across Maharashtra, providing free training to approximately 150,000 youths annually, helping them become self-reliant and enhancing their employability.

As the foundation for the PM MITRA Park is laid, the initiative not only aims to revive India?s textile industry but also underscores a broader commitment to social equity and economic growth, promising a brighter future for artisans and youth alike.