Prime Minister Narendra Modi today delivered a scathing critique of past governments’ neglect of street vendors while lauding the transformative impact of the PM SVANidhi scheme during an event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Addressing beneficiaries of the scheme, PM Modi highlighted the challenges faced by street vendors in the absence of government support and emphasized the significance of PM SVANidhi in providing a lifeline to this marginalized section of society.
PM Modi distributed loans to 1 lakh street vendors, including 5,000 from Delhi, as part of the PM SVANidhi scheme. He handed over loan cheques to five beneficiaries and laid the foundation stone for two additional corridors of Delhi Metro’s Phase 4.
The Prime Minister also criticized past administrations for failing to address the needs of street vendors, resulting in disrespect and hardships for this vulnerable group. He asserted that the PM SVANidhi scheme has emerged as a crucial support system for the families of lakhs of vendors across the country, providing them with much-needed financial assistance and empowerment.
Highlighting the significance of street vendors in society, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi spoke about their resilience and contribution to the nation’s economy. He emphasized his government’s commitment to improving the lives of the poor and middle class, citing the motto of “welfare of the nation through the welfare of its people.”
PM SVANidhi, launched on June 1, 2020, amidst the global economic crisis triggered by the pandemic, has been hailed as transformative for marginalized street vendors. The scheme has disbursed over 82 lakh loans, totalling more than Rs 10,978 crore, benefiting over 62 lakh street vendors nationwide. In Delhi alone, nearly 2 lakh loans, amounting to Rs 232 crore, have been distributed under the scheme.
