The Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC), in collaboration with the State Urban Development Agency, organized a state-level Pakhwada campaign to mobilize and onboard street vendors under the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi) Scheme. The event took place at the ZTC office on November 28 and aimed to educate street vendors about the scheme’s benefits and encourage them to avail themselves of its financial support.
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 delivered 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, Deputy Manager, State Bank of India, Zunheboto; Ojensongla Ppongen, Branch Operations Head, Axis Bank, Zunheboto; Tinurenla Aonok, Branch Manager, HDFC Bank Ltd., Zunheboto; and representatives from the Central Bank of India shared insights on how banks are supporting the scheme and facilitating loans for eligible vendors.
The key resource person for the event, Smti. 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. She stressed that vendors should seize this opportunity while the scheme is still available.
Suokhrie presented a report showing that Zunheboto has 15 eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, but only two have availed themselves of the benefits so far through the State Bank of India (SBI), with no other applicants receiving loans from other banks. She reminded the audience that the scheme’s loans should be used strictly for business purposes, not for personal consumption.
Under the scheme, vendors can avail themselves of loans of Rs. 10,000 in the first installment, 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, including 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 enrollment in the scheme.
In her closing remarks, she urged the bankers to dedicate their time and efforts not just to their respective institutions but to the collective upliftment of the local community, stating, ”It’s not only my people or your people, but our people.”