Agartala: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar announced that more than 9,300 loans have been sanctioned under the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme in Tripura, with beneficiaries receiving nearly ₹15 crore in financial assistance. During his visit to the state, Khattar also revealed that the Centre will invest over ₹427 crore in urban development projects across Tripura.
Additionally, he reviewed key infrastructure, sanitation, waste management, and power sector initiatives alongside Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. The Minister further highlighted plans for rooftop solar expansion, sewage treatment projects, and proposed urban infrastructure works worth ₹1,200 crore. These initiatives aim to strengthen urban services, improve livelihoods, and support sustainable development in the state.
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Key Facts
- PM SVANidhi Loans in Tripura: Over 9,300 sanctioned
- Financial Assistance Distributed: Nearly ₹15 crore
- Union Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar
- Chief Minister: Manik Saha
- Urban Development Allocation: More than ₹427 crore
- Solid Waste Management Project: ₹100 crore at DC Nagar, Agartala
- Urban Infrastructure Proposal: ₹1,200 crore
- New Sewage Treatment Plants: 11 under construction
- Solar Installation Target: 2 lakh rooftop systems by March 2027
- Tripura Peak Power Demand: 270 MW recorded on May 21
PM SVANidhi Scheme Benefits Thousands of Street Vendors
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the PM SVANidhi scheme has significantly benefited street vendors in Tripura. According to the Minister, more than 9,300 loans have been sanctioned under the programme, providing nearly ₹15 crore in financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.
During an interaction with PM SVANidhi beneficiaries from Tripura and other Northeastern states, Khattar handed over loan sanction letters and credit cards to vendors. Furthermore, he highlighted the scheme’s role in helping small traders access affordable institutional credit and improve their livelihoods.
The PM SVANidhi scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, aims to empower street vendors by offering collateral-free working capital loans. As a result, many vendors have expanded their businesses and improved their financial stability.
Northeast Records Strong PM SVANidhi Performance
Khattar also highlighted the scheme’s achievements across the Northeast region. He stated that authorities have distributed more than 2.59 lakh loans to street vendors across the region.
Consequently, beneficiaries have received financial assistance exceeding ₹430 crore. The Minister noted that the programme continues to strengthen financial inclusion and support self-employment opportunities among small business owners.
Centre to Invest Over ₹427 Crore in Urban Development
Apart from reviewing welfare schemes, the Union Minister assessed the progress of urban development projects in Tripura. He announced that the Central Government will spend more than ₹427 crore on various urban infrastructure initiatives across the state.
Moreover, these projects aim to improve sanitation, waste management, public infrastructure, and urban services. The investment is expected to enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting sustainable urban growth.
DC Nagar Solid Waste Management Project Nears Completion
One of the major projects reviewed during the visit was the solid waste management facility at DC Nagar on the outskirts of Agartala.
The Central Government has allocated ₹100 crore for the project. According to Khattar, construction work is nearing completion. Once operational, the facility will significantly improve waste processing and environmental management in the capital city.
Furthermore, the project aligns with the government’s broader objective of promoting cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Focus on Sanitation and Waste Management
The review meeting also focused on sanitation initiatives across Tripura. Officials discussed door-to-door garbage collection systems, construction of household toilets, community toilets, aspirational toilets, and market sanitation facilities.
Additionally, authorities are conducting a survey to identify pending requirements in urban areas. The survey will conclude by June 20, after which the government plans to release additional funding to address identified gaps.
As a result, urban local bodies are expected to receive greater support for improving sanitation infrastructure and public hygiene standards.
11 New Sewage Treatment Plants Under Construction
Khattar informed that 11 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are currently under construction in municipal areas outside Agartala.
The government expects these facilities to become operational by December this year. Consequently, the projects will strengthen wastewater management systems and contribute to cleaner urban environments across multiple towns.
To further support cleanliness initiatives, the Centre will provide an additional ₹27 crore to Agartala, Dharmanagar, Melaghar, and Udaipur.
₹1,200 Crore Urban Infrastructure Projects Await Approval
The Minister also revealed that Tripura has proposed urban infrastructure projects worth ₹1,200 crore under the Urban Challenge Projects Fund.
According to him, authorities are likely to approve these proposals within the next one to two months. If approved, the projects will create new opportunities for urban modernization and infrastructure development throughout the state.
Furthermore, the projects are expected to improve public services, transportation networks, and civic amenities.
Push for Solar Energy and Power Sector Growth
During the power sector review, Khattar emphasized the importance of renewable energy expansion in Tripura.
He announced that the state aims to install around two lakh rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by March 2027. Therefore, officials have been directed to accelerate implementation efforts and encourage greater public participation.
In addition, the Minister instructed authorities to take strict action against illegal power connections and work towards reducing transmission and distribution losses.
Tripura Targets Higher Power Generation Capacity
Khattar noted that Tripura recorded a peak electricity demand of 270 MW on May 21. However, he expressed confidence that the state would be able to generate 300 MW of power by next year.
Consequently, the increased capacity will help meet growing energy requirements and support industrial, commercial, and residential consumers across the state.
Question & Answer
What did the Union Minister announce in Tripura?
Manohar Lal Khattar announced that over 9,300 PM SVANidhi loans have been sanctioned in Tripura and that the Centre will invest more than ₹427 crore in urban development projects.
How much financial assistance has PM SVANidhi provided in Tripura?
Beneficiaries in Tripura have received nearly ₹15 crore under the PM SVANidhi scheme.
What is the value of the DC Nagar waste management project?
The Central Government has allocated ₹100 crore for the solid waste management project at DC Nagar near Agartala.
How many sewage treatment plants are under construction?
Authorities are constructing 11 sewage treatment plants in municipal areas outside Agartala.
What is Tripura’s rooftop solar target?
The state aims to install around two lakh rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by March 2027.
When could the ₹1,200 crore infrastructure proposals receive approval?
The proposed projects are expected to receive approval within the next one to two months.
Location Context
Tripura is one of the key states in Northeast India and serves as an important gateway for regional connectivity with Bangladesh. Therefore, investments in urban infrastructure, sanitation, renewable energy, and livelihood programmes play a crucial role in strengthening economic growth and improving living standards. Moreover, the state’s development initiatives support broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and sustainable urbanization across the Northeast region.
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