UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Sunday said that the street vendors have been an essential part of the country’s economic growth story with linkages with the formal economy and have always played a significant role in reducing cost of living, by providing goods and services at affordable rates.

Purohit, addressing the Street Vendors at SVANidhi Mahotsav – a cultural festival for celebrating the success of PM SVANidhi Scheme and SVANidhi Mahotsav as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, said that the Mahotsav was a festival for celebrating and recognizing beneficiary street vendor’s growth story and their contribution towards Indian economy.

Addressing the street vendors and other dignitaries, Purohit said that the festival aims to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence with these nano-entrepreneurs, honouring their journey under PM SVANidhi scheme for demonstrating credit discipline, digital behaviour, and displaying their astute business acumen.

He said that the PM SVANidhi scheme was launched during 2020 to facilitate working capital loans to the street vendors to help them restart their businesses which were adversely impacted due to the lockdowns imposed during COVID-19 pandemic. “The scheme was the first comprehensive effort for financial inclusion of the street vendors. Prior to this scheme, street vendors were dependent on the informal credit channels paying high rates of interest,” he added.

UT Administrator felicitated PM SVANidhi street vendors beneficiaries for digital on boarding and promotion of digital transactions, bank officials for performance under PM SVANidhi, Certificate of Vending to LOR Street Vendors, Parichay Boards to PM SVANidhi beneficiaries and Area Level Federation/city Level Federation and SHGs for their exemplary work under DAY National Urban Livelihood Mission.

Street Vendors have stalled Food Vending Stalls and SHGs under Social Mobilization and Institutional Development component have showcased their products in an exhibition at Mahila Bhawan.

The Svanidhi Mahotsav comprised of vibrant cultural and recreational activities planned with the family members of Street Vendors, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and other beneficiaries of DAY NULM including Musical Chair, Antakshari, Street Play and Skits, Regional Dance Performances, Folk Art Performances, Magic Show, Bioscope etc.

In addition, few awareness sessions were also organized on Single Use Plastic Bags, Segregation of Waste, Home Composting for Street Vendors and women SHG members.

It was a ‘Zero Waste’ event, organized by the Municipal Corporation, where no plastic item was used. Cutlery used for refreshment including glass, plates, bottles etc. No plastic flowers were used. The venue was decorated with fresh natural flowers, which were disposed off through composting after the event.