Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday highlighted education as the strongest foundation for development. Speaking to students at Zilla Parishad High School in Peda Mainavani Lanka village, West Godavari district, she urged a focus on learning, self-improvement, and creative thinking. The Minister underscored that education directly empowers individuals and entire societies.
During her visit, Sitharaman inaugurated new infrastructure at the school. These facilities included modern computers and a dedicated science laboratory. The upgrades, totaling Rs 18 lakh in value, received crucial support from Union Bank. This investment aims to enhance learning resources for local students.
Government Support for Education and Development
Sitharaman strongly encouraged youth from the coastal region to pursue higher education. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting both advanced academic pursuits and overall regional development. The Finance Minister advised students to study with diligence. She called upon them to prepare themselves for future service to the nation and the state, emphasizing civic responsibility.
The Minister also referenced the Prime Minister’s vision for adopted village development. She noted that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana training centre, now operational in Peda Mainavani Lanka, actively creates employment opportunities for residents. Sitharaman recalled her long-standing connection with Peda Mainavani Lanka and neighboring villages, acknowledging that development activities progressed significantly due to the robust support from local women.
Enhancing Local Infrastructure and Community Welfare
Crucial infrastructure improvements include the installation of reverse osmosis (RO) plants. These plants are vital for supplying clean drinking water to the community. This initiative effectively addresses the historical problem of salinity in local water sources, a persistent challenge despite the area’s proximity to the Godavari River.
Measures for coastal protection are also actively underway. Modern techniques are being deployed to prevent coastal erosion, ensuring the preservation of the beach’s natural integrity. This essential work is projected for completion by Sankranti (mid-January 2026) . The project prioritizes both coastal safety and the conservation of the shoreline’s ecological beauty.
Government assistance specifically targets local fishermen. This support includes the provision of new boats and direct financial aid. These efforts are designed to guarantee sustainable livelihoods for the fishing community. Additionally, young people are encouraged to play an active role in sustainable coastal and broader regional development initiatives.
Advanced Skill Development and Women’s Empowerment
Local youth are receiving specialized training in cutting-edge technological fields. These essential skills include:
- Drones operation
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications
- Robotics programming
- 3D Printing techniques
- Digital Marketing strategies
Specific programs, such as “Drone Didi” and “Lakhpati Didi,” are empowering women. These initiatives provide practical skills and create new opportunities for income generation. The goal is to enhance women’s economic independence and integrate them more fully into the workforce.
A new multipurpose building has been constructed within the village. This facility will serve several critical community functions. It acts as a secure shelter during adverse events like floods and cyclones. It also provides a dedicated study space for children. Furthermore, the building is earmarked to become a future PM Vishwakarma training centre, expanding skill development access.
Sitharaman highlighted the significant impact of skill development through the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This comprehensive program has successfully trained youth in 13 distinct trades . A notable outcome is that many of these trained individuals have secured employment in prominent industrial hubs like Hyderabad and Sri City, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in job creation.
Understanding the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a national initiative focused on skill development and vocational training. It covers a diverse array of traditional and contemporary trades across India. The scheme’s primary objective is to equip young individuals with valuable, market-ready skills. It aims to generate widespread employment opportunities and foster entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to national economic growth and self-reliance among artisans and craftspeople.