Zunheboto Town Council in collaboration with State Urban Development Agency organised a state-level Pakhwada campaign to mobilize and onboard street vendors under PMSVANidhi Scheme on November 28.
Zunheboto, November 28 (MExN): The Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC), in collaboration with the State Urban Development Agency, organised a state-level Pakhwada campaign to mobilize and onboard street vendors under the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi) Scheme. The event took place at the ZTC office on November 28, and was aimed at educating street vendors about the benefits of the scheme and encouraging them to avail its financial support.
The key resource person for the event, Abau Suokhrie, State Mission Manager, DAY-NULM, highlighted the expansion of the PMSVANidhi Scheme, which now includes not only traditional vendors but also pan shop owners, barbers, cobblers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
Suokhrie presented a report showing that Zunheboto has 15 eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, out of which, only two have availed the benefits so far through State Bank of India (SBI), with no other applicants having received loans from other banks.
She reminded the audience that the scheme's loans should be used for business purposes, not for personal consumption, and urged vendors to seize the opportunity while the scheme is still available.
Under the scheme, vendors can avail themselves of loans of Rs. 10,000 in the first instalment, Rs. 20,000 in the second, and up to Rs. 50,000 in the third. After completing the repayment process, vendors can also access a range of benefits such as a pension of Rs. 3,000 per month, incidental insurance, maternity benefits, and more under various departments and schemes.
She also encouraged the use of digital payment methods through QR codes, highlighting how street vendors can earn Rs. 1 for every transaction made through digital platforms, contributing to the promotion of Digital India. Suokhrie further explained that linking an Aadhaar number with a mobile number is a mandatory requirement for enrolment in the scheme.
In her closing remarks, she urged the bankers to dedicate their time and efforts not just for their respective institutions, but for the collective upliftment of the local community.
The programme was chaired by Hukatoli H Awomi, Councilor ZTC, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of empowering street vendors through the scheme. The invocation was pronounced by Hilika Y, Councilor ZTC.
The event featured speeches from several dignitaries, including Japheth Woch, ADC & EO, Zunheboto, who spoke on the significance of the scheme in supporting local vendors and enhancing economic growth.
Elito Dy. Manager, State Bank of India, Zunheboto, Ojensongla Pongen, Branch Operations Head, Axis Bank, Zunheboto, Tinurenla Aonok, Branch Manager, HDFC Bank Ltd, Zunheboto; and representatives from the Central Bank of India, all shared insights on how banks are supporting the scheme and facilitating loans for eligible vendors.
