Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the beneficiaries of PM Street Vendor’s Aatmanirbhar Nidhi (SVANidhi) Yojana from Uttar Pradesh through video conferencing on Tuesday. PM Modi discussed how many government schemes like the JanDhan, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala and PM SWANidhi Yojana have helped people in India fight the pandemic in better ways. “We showed the world that people of this country can face any challenge and turn the situation around,” he said.
He also said that banks are now reaching the poor in the country and it is the result of the continuous work of the government. “Earlier, it was difficult for even salaried people to approach banks for loans and the poor and street vendors could not even think of approaching them. But now, the banks are reaching the doorsteps of people to provide loans for helping the latter start their ventures,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister also interacted with the beneficiaries of the SVANidhi scheme and gave his opinion on the benefits of digital payments and suggested how to get cashback benefits. He said that, with the money, one can have a proper education and better career. He wished the beneficiaries and lauded the bankers for their efforts, saying that their efforts will help the poor celebrate their festivals. He added, “This day is an important day for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the day to honour street vendors.
The nation recognizes their contribution towards a selfreliant India.” He also expressed happiness at street vendors being able to resume work and become self-sufficient again. Speaking about the scheme further, PM Modi appreciated the speed with which it is being implemented across the country. The Prime Minister said, ‘There is no need for a guarantor for the loans under the SVANidhi Scheme. The provision of loans is hassle free.”
He also said that such a scheme for street vendors has been introduced for the first time after India›s independence. The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Uttar Pradesh for providing financial assistance ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 6 lakh to street vendors during the pandemic. He said, “Most street vendors who were given loans through the SVANidhi scheme are repaying their loans on time, proving that small-time borrowers do not compromise on their honesty and sincerity.”
The Prime Minister then urged the need to spread awareness about the scheme to as many people as possible. “People doubted the efficacy of the Jan Dhan accounts but the same are helping the poor today in this time of crisis,” he remarked. Lastly, the PM assured street vendors, workers and farmers that the country will leave no stone unturned to advance their businesses and improve their lives.