SVANidhi Mahotsav : Importance of empowering street vendors highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 26 2022: Dr RK Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State External Affairs and Education highlighted the remarkable contributions of street vendors in the economy of the country.

He also maintained that the street vendors can play a major role in promoting the ethnic products of the State to the tourists who visit the State.

The Minister made the above statement during the SVANidhi Mahotsav celebration held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today organised by the Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA).

It may be noted that the PM Street Vendor's Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt of India in June 2020 to empower street vendors by not only extending loans to them, but also for their holistic development and economic upliftment.

During the event, one minute silence was observed by the attendees as a mark of honour to the departed member of Roadside Street Vendor Welfare Association, Longjam Sasikala who passed away due to a personal illness.

Dr RK Ranjan while speaking at the occasion also appealed to the street to avail the benefits provided by the various welfare schemes and loans provided by the Government for their upliftment.

The authorities concerned should also extend all forms of support to the street vendors in this regard, he added.

With regards to indifference treatment towards the street vendors in major market places by the relevant authorities, Dr RK Ranjan Singh appealed to MAHUD Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh who was present at the event to come up special relief measures in the interest of the street vendors While speaking at the occasion, Yumnam Khemchand underscored the significant contributions of the women folk of the State for the development of the society.

He further appealed to all concerned to bring an amicable solution in connection with the marketplace of street vendors since the issue has not been solved till date.

During the event, certificates and cash awards were presented to participating street vendors for maintaining credit discipline, adoption of digital transactions under PM SVANidhi and also to the three best performing banks namely State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Manipur Rural Bank in credit disbursement under PM SVANidhi Scheme.

Around 100 stalls for the sale and exhibition of items produced by the street vendors were also opened.

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