SVANidhi Mahotsav draws huge visitors, Guv asks vendors to play proactive role

Jul 23,2022

Large number of visitors belonging to all sections of the society thronged the day-long SVANidhi Mahotsav in Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here on Friday.

Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had chosen 75 cities across India, including Itanagar, to celebrate success of PM SVANidhi Scheme.

The event in vendors’ exhibition stall, organized by Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh State Urban Livelihood Mission (ArSULM), was inaugurated by state Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra.

Pointing out that vendors should work for socio economic values, the governor, in his address, advised them to contribute for development of the society by playing a proactive role in keeping their counters to attract more customers, reports PRO.

Popularize SVANidhi scheme for maximum people to avail, he advised the IMC officials and suggested to connect them with other schemes, like PM Suraksha Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Joyana, One Nation One Ration Card, Janani Suraksha Yojana and PM Shram Mandhan Yojana and monitor and assist them regularly.

The governor along with IMC mayor Tame Phassang felicitated five best street vendors of Itanagar, Naharlagun and Nirjuli, namely Balo Rib, Balo Yape, Gora Yaday, Dinde Yalin and Byabang Yacham and gave away certificate and cash awards for their maximum digital transactions. 10o best vendors were also awarded certificates for timely repayment of SVANidhi loans.

Phassang and IMC commissioner Likha Tejji earlier highlighted achievement and challenges of PM SVANidhi scheme, the report added.

Teji, flanked by assistant commissioner Datum Gadi, later told this daily that this is a platform to promote street vendors and shelf-help groups (SHGs) to earn decent livelihood. Thus, 10 each street vendors and 10 SHGs, three financial institutions, one each medical and information centre were part of the exhibition where online registration facility was offered.

Those vendors who have availed Rs 10,000 or above loan were eligible for the event, said ArSULM state mission manager Ravi Sharma.

Ane-Donyi SHG president Meko Yangfo, selling home-made pickles, plastic tool, mates, bags etc, responding to questions said the exhibition is laudable for giving exposure to our products.

“Arunachalee women manage the household affairs but always suffer from financial crunch. Thus, 10 women came together to form the SHG to facilitate marketing of our home made products,” she added.

After inaugurating SVANidhi Mahotsav website at New Delhi on July 8 last, Union HUA Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had told media persons: Street vendors have been an essential part of India’s economic growth while providing linkages with formal economy. They have been playing a significant role in reducing cost of living by providing goods and services at affordable rates.”The SVANidhi Mohotsav is a cultural event, Puri had added.