To commemorate the 2nd anniversary of SVANidhi Mahotsav which was launched in 2020, the department of District Urban Development Agency along with Dimapur Municipal Council organised the 'SVANidhi Mahotsav' celebration of ATMA Nirbhar Street Vendors day- SHGs, sponsored by the State Urban Development Agency, Nagaland Kohima on 23rd July 2022 at the Super Market, Dimapur.
MLA, Moatoshi Longkumer, speaking on the occasion as the special guest, thanked the Department and the bankers for their efforts. He said the scheme is one of the most popular schemes in India launched during the pandemic to help the street vendors with financial assistance. It is the first of a kind in India where financial assistance has been provided for the street vendors at an affordable interest rate, he added.
He pointed out that, out of 75 cities selected in India, Dimapur was selected, which is a great opportunity for the street vendors of Dimapur if they understand and follow the right guidelines. He urged them to avail the schemes and learn the art of saving and credit discipline. He said that if people can learn these two disciplines, then Nagaland will surely catch up with the rest of the country.
He further mentioned that this scheme will transform the way street vendors operate also by promoting digital transactions.
During the presentation of the testimonial, Rita Gosh, PM SVANidhi beneficiary, and Convenor SEWA and Kesiateilak Sieringmaa, SHG-G, Day- NULM beneficiary, thanked the Prime Minister for opening the way to the street vendors by providing financial assistance and giving them the identity as street vendors. She said the financial assistance provided has helped them through the pandemic and can meet their daily needs and thanked the departments and the bankers for assisting them throughout the process.
PM SVANidhi scheme was launched to facilitate working capital loans to the street vendors to help them restart their business which was adversely impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. The scheme is available to all the street vendors who are engaged in vending in urban areas with collateral-free working capital loans of up to 10000 of one year tenure, and can also avail of Rs 20000 and Rs 50000 loans in subsequent tranches to approximately 50 lakh street vendors, interest subsidy @7% per annum on regular repayment of the loan, cashback up to Rs. 1200 per month per annum on undertaking prescribed digital transaction, eligibility for enhanced digital transactions.
The programme was chaired by Secretary Development Authority, Pat Keyhie. The invocation was pronounced by Women Secretary, WSBAK, Kakheli Inato Jimo. The welcome address was delivered by DMC, Administrator, Albert Ezung. A special number was presented by New Market Street vendors. Nuttak Natak was performed by TRIONIX Dance studio. Cultural performance by Sieringmaa and Donthao. A vote of thanks was delivered by Asst. Director, UD PM SVANidhi & Day- NULM, Kiniholi Kinimi. Earlier street vendors who have availed the digital transactions were felicitated with a certificate and a cash prize.
Other activities involved during the celebration were digital training, Distribution of Parichay boards and QR code, registration of New Street vendors, Food stall, exhibition cum sale of SHGs products, and stall for Street vendors. While film screening on the PM SVANidhi scheme was also done. Street vendors may apply directly on the PM SVANidhi portal or through a Common Service Centre (CSC).
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
