Path to Self-Reliance Opened for Urban Poor Families through PM-SVANidhi Scheme: CM Sai

Raipur, December 12

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the significant role of street vendors and women’s groups in strengthening the nation’s economy. He highlighted that the PM-SVANidhi scheme has helped street vendors achieve self-reliance, while the DAY-NULM scheme has empowered women to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

Addressing an awards ceremony organized by the Urban Administration and Development Department’s State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, the Chief Minister honored municipal bodies, banks, beneficiaries, and street vendors for their exemplary work under the PM-SVANidhi and National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) schemes.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Forest Minister and Raipur district in-charge Shri Kedar Kashyap, and MLA Shri Motilal Sahu were also present at the event.

Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that street vendors provide quality goods at affordable prices. Earlier, there were no schemes to assist them. However, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with great sensitivity, not only understood their challenges but also launched the PM-SVANidhi scheme to support them. The scheme offers simple terms, including collateral-free loans, easy monthly installments, and interest subsidies, enabling countless street vendors to pursue their dreams. The Chief Minister assured that the government would provide all possible support to them.

He also highlighted the commendable efforts under the NULM scheme to empower women’s self-help groups by providing low-interest loans for small businesses. In Chhattisgarh, affordable loans have propelled thousands of women toward entrepreneurship. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of shelter homes for urban homeless individuals.

The Chief Minister noted that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs honored Chhattisgarh and four municipal bodies with the SPARK Award for 2023-24. He praised the Urban Administration Department officials and bank representatives for linking beneficiaries to financial support.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao stated that these schemes have proven highly beneficial for poor families dependent on daily earnings. Beneficiaries have been able to sustain their livelihoods by conducting business on city footpaths. He also detailed the state government’s achievements over the past year. Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap highlighted the government’s focus on expanding urban amenities and providing livelihood opportunities for the poor and women. A stronger foundation for these groups will lead to a stronger Chhattisgarh.

Urban Administration and Development Secretary Dr. Basav Raju S. provided insights into the effective implementation of the PM-SVANidhi and Deendayal Antyodaya schemes. He reported that 88,498 street vendors in the state have received financial assistance worth ₹184.98 crores under PM-SVANidhi. Similarly, under the State Urban Livelihood Mission, revolving funds of ₹30.34 crores have been distributed to 30,347 women’s self-help groups.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister launched short films on “One Year of Development, Achievements, and Good Governance,” “DAY-NULM, PM-SVANidhi Scheme,” and “Chief Minister’s Slum Health Scheme.” The Chief Minister and other dignitaries also visited an exhibition set up by the beneficiaries.

The event witnessed the presence of Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shri Avinash Mishra, SUDA CEO Shri Shashank Pandey, bankers, street vendors, and a large number of DAY-NULM beneficiaries.