SchemesFriday, 18 September 2026·The Hindu - National
West Bengal’s PM Vishwakarma rollout and 1 lakh-diya event: scheme, beneficiaries and state participation
West Bengal marked PM Modi’s birthday on September 17, 2026 with one lakh diyas, launched PM Vishwakarma Scheme, and cited 7.70 lakh enrollments with 2.02 lakh active beneficiaries.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On September 17, 2026, the West Bengal government marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday by lighting 1 lakh diyas in Kolkata and launching the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, while citing 7,70,000 earlier enrollments and 2,02,000 active beneficiaries in the State.
Key specifics
- September 17, 2026 was observed as “Annapurna Divas” in West Bengal.
- 1 lakh diyas were lit across Kolkata, including the ghats of the Ganga.
- The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched in West Bengal for the first time.
- 7,70,000 earlier enrollments and 2,02,000 active enrollments were cited by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
- MSME Union Minister Jiten Ram Manjhi lit diyas with 400 beneficiaries of the Vishwakarma Yojana.
Exam lens
Scheme-based current affairs, PM Vishwakarma Scheme, Annapurna Divas, beneficiary count, and state implementation in West Bengal are the key MCQ points; TNPSC may ask which scheme supports traditional artisans and craftspeople.