Street vendors urged to tap Lok Kalyan benefits

GVMC Project Director of Urban Community Development, P.M. Satyavani, on Wednesday appealed to street vendors to make full use of the Lok Kalyan (PM SVANidhi 2.0) scheme, aimed at empowering vendors financially and improving their standard of living.

“Street vendors are the backbone of our city’s informal economy. Supporting them means supporting livelihoods, families, and local trade,” said Satyavani. She explained that the scheme provides collateral-free loans, incentives for digital transactions, credit cards, FSSAI certificates, socio-economic surveys, GST registration, and other benefits to help vendors expand their businesses and gain formal recognition.

For many vendors, the scheme is already making a difference. Radha, a vegetable vendor at MVP Colony, used a PM SVANidhi 2.0 loan to restock her business after pandemic-related losses, while Ramesh, a street food vendor near Dwaraka Bus Station, secured an FSSAI certificate that helped him attract more customers and increase earnings.

To promote the scheme, a Lok Kalyan Mela was organised under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM 2.0), sponsored by the Central government. Street Vending Committee members and vendors attended to receive on-the-spot registration assistance, guidance on loans, and information about other benefits.

Satyavani encouraged vendors to participate actively in the mela and make full use of the opportunities available. She stressed that these initiatives not only strengthen individual livelihoods but also contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the city’s economy.