Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said PM-Swanidhi scheme has proved to be a lifeline for street vendors. Addressing PM SVANidhi beneficiaries in Delhi while distributing loans under the scheme to one lakh street vendors, Mr Modi said people saw the power of street vendors during COVID. He said today’s SVANidhi Mahotsav is dedicated to those who are always around and without whom people cannot imagine their lives. He congratulated the street vendors, and roadside shopkeepers for their contributions to society.

Mr Modi said that even though the vending carts and shops of street vendors might be small, their dreams are huge. He pointed out that the governments of the past did not take any interest in the welfare of street vendors which made them face disrespect and hardships. He observed that their need for funds was fulfilled by high-interest loans. He also noted that they had no access to banks as they did not hold any loan guarantees. The Prime Minister stressed that previous governments did not pay any heed to the needs of street vendors, nor did they make any effort to tackle their issues.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister distributed loans to one lakh street vendors including 5,000 street vendors from Delhi as part of the scheme. Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone of two additional corridors of Delhi Metro’s Phase 4.