Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi attends SVANidhi Mahotsav in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi attended SVANidhi Mahotsav, a celebration of Atmanirbhar Street Vendors organized by Guwahati Municipal Corporation, DAY-NULM, ASULMS under Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of Assam at Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati on Sunday.

SVANidhi Mahotsav is a festival for empowering and celebrating the street vendors' growth story and their contribution towards Indian economy. The festival also aims at celebrating 75 years of India's independence with these grass root level entrepreneurs, honoring their journey under PM SVANidhi scheme. PM SVANidhi scheme provides initial loan of Rs.10,000 and subsequently Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively after successful repayment of previous loans, allowing them to plan their business expansion. A vendor gets an interest subsidy at 7 per cent on timely repayment of the loans.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that he was very happy to be present at the Mahotsav where the government is working for the welfare of the weaker sections of the society. He said that the street vendors play a significant role in ensuring availability of goods and services at affordable rates.

Prof. Mukhi also hailed the initiatives of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the PM SVANidhi scheme to facilitate working capital loans and help the street vendors resume their business which were adversely impacted due to the lockdowns imposed during COVID-19 pandemic. He said that it is a great initiative to empower the street vendors financially for their holistic and economic development. He also appreciated the street vendors for showing resilience and script several success stories in spite of the sluggishness resulted from COVID 19pandemic.

The Governor congratulated the bank authorities, the implementing agencies and other stake holders on the successful implementation of the scheme in the state. He said that the scheme will go a long way to benefit the lives of the street vendors and also help the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

In Guwahati, as on date, 10,563 street vendors have already availed the benefit of the scheme. Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Ashok Singhal also spoke on the occasion. The programme was attended by Mayor Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mrigen Sarania, Padmashree Jahnu Barua, along with a host of other dignitaries, stated a press release.

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