Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday credited the PM SVANidhi scheme for transforming the lives of street vendors and small traders across India. Speaking at a public event in Dibrugarh, he said the scheme, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Sonowal also inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra in Dibrugarh, reinforcing the government’s commitment to affordable healthcare. The initiative is part of the PMBJP (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana), which aims to provide quality medicines at low cost to the public.
PM SVANidhi’s Impact on Street Vendors
Sonowal highlighted that PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) has empowered lakhs of street vendors across India. The scheme, launched in June 2020, provides working capital loans of up to ₹10,000, enabling vendors to restart businesses disrupted by the pandemic.
He said the scheme represents Prime Minister Modi’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by empowering marginalized sections.
“Street vendors are an integral part of India’s economy. Through PM SVANidhi, we have given them financial strength and dignity. Assam has seen tremendous success in implementing this scheme,” Sonowal said.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, over 50 lakh street vendors have benefitted nationwide. Assam has also reported significant progress, with thousands of vendors accessing loans and subsidies to expand their livelihoods.
Focus on Dibrugarh’s Economic Growth
Sonowal, who represents Dibrugarh in the Lok Sabha, stressed the government’s focus on developing Assam as an economic hub. He said initiatives like PM SVANidhi and PMBJP are part of a larger effort to create opportunities in the Northeast.
“Dibrugarh is not just an oil and tea capital. It is emerging as a hub of healthcare, education, and trade. Schemes like PM SVANidhi encourage entrepreneurship, while Janaushadhi Kendras make healthcare affordable for all,” Sonowal added.
The minister also urged vendors to take advantage of the scheme’s digital payment incentives. Beneficiaries who adopt digital transactions can avail of additional subsidies and credit support, reducing their dependence on informal lending sources.
Affordable Medicines for All
The new Janaushadhi Kendra in Dibrugarh will stock over 1,800 medicines and 285 surgical items at affordable prices. The PMBJP initiative, implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for citizens, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Sonowal said that Assam’s network of Janaushadhi Kendras has grown steadily, and the state now has access points for affordable medicines in almost every district.
“Healthcare is a priority for the Modi government. Through PMBJP, we are ensuring that no one is denied treatment because of high medicine costs,” he said.
Northeast Development Initiatives
The event also highlighted various infrastructure and social welfare projects in Assam. Sonowal praised the Modi government’s commitment to the Northeast, citing record investments in highways, waterways, and digital connectivity.
He said the Brahmaputra river projects and enhanced shipping routes will create new opportunities for trade and tourism. Sonowal encouraged youth and entrepreneurs in Assam to leverage these developments for growth.
“The Northeast is no longer a neglected region. It is becoming a growth engine for India’s future,” Sonowal emphasized.
Strong Push for Financial Inclusion
The PM SVANidhi scheme has also been instrumental in promoting financial literacy and banking access. Many vendors who previously relied on informal lending channels are now integrated into the formal banking system.
Local authorities in Assam have organized awareness campaigns to ensure that street vendors understand the benefits of digital payments, credit history building, and loan repayment cycles.
According to government data, more than 4 lakh street vendors in the Northeast have already accessed benefits under the scheme, a significant milestone for inclusive growth.
Public Response and Future Plans
The event in Dibrugarh drew enthusiastic participation from locals, vendors, and small traders. Beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi shared their success stories, praising the government for providing accessible credit during the pandemic.
Sonowal concluded his speech by reaffirming the government’s vision of a prosperous Assam. He called on citizens to utilize schemes like PM SVANidhi and PMBJP to improve their quality of life and contribute to the state’s growth.
“The goal is to create opportunities for every individual. We want our street vendors to grow into small business owners. That is the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
Call to Action
Citizens can learn more about PM SVANidhi and PMBJP by visiting pm-svanidhi.mohua.gov.in and janaushadhi.gov.in. Local residents are encouraged to approach their municipal offices or online portals to register for benefits under these schemes.
With the successful inauguration of the Janaushadhi Kendra and renewed focus on street vendor welfare, Assam continues to emerge as a model for inclusive development in the Northeast.