PM SVANidhi Scheme Boosts Self-Reliance
Shri Sonowal explained that the PM SVANidhi scheme enables street vendors to achieve financial independence, support their families with dignity, and become self-reliant. He highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme offered loans in phases—₹10,000, ₹20,000, and ₹50,000—to vendors with timely repayment incentives, along with a 7% interest subsidy for successful borrowers.
“Prime Minister Modi envisioned a system where aid reaches the poor directly. During the Congress regime, 84 paise of every rupee was siphoned off by middlemen. Now, every rupee reaches the intended beneficiaries, reflecting the values of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” Sonowal added.
Later in the day, Shri Sonowal inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra at Milan Nagar, Dibrugarh, aimed at providing affordable generic medicines to the public. Several dignitaries attended the event, including Assam Cabinet Minister Shri Prasanta Phukan, local MLAs, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation officials, and representatives from the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council.
Widespread Impact and Beneficiary Interaction
During the program, Sonowal personally interacted with several beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme, emphasizing the initiative’s role in empowering the poor and marginalised. The minister credited the Prime Minister for designing a system that helps small traders overcome financial hardships and build sustainable livelihoods.