Street Vendors’ Dreams Take Flight More than 112,000 Street Vendors in Chhattisgarh Receive Financial Support

For millions of street vendors—vegetable sellers, tea stall owners, snack vendors, and small traders operating on roadsides and footpaths—lack of access to working capital has long been a major challenge. Limited access to formal banking and credit facilities often restricted the growth of their businesses. However, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme has emerged as a transformative initiative, creating new opportunities for these small entrepreneurs.

In Chhattisgarh, more than 112,036 street vendors have received financial assistance exceeding ₹256.94 crore under the scheme so far. The initiative has not only strengthened their businesses but has also provided them with greater financial independence and dignified livelihood opportunities.

The PM SVANidhi Scheme was launched by the Government of India on June 1, 2020, in response to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livelihoods of street vendors. The scheme aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans to urban street vendors, enabling them to restart and expand their businesses. One of the key features of the scheme is that no guarantee or collateral is required. Beneficiaries who repay their loans on time become eligible for higher loan amounts in subsequent stages.

Under the scheme, loans are provided in three phases. In the first phase, vendors can avail loans of up to ₹10,000. In the second phase, they are eligible for loans of up to ₹20,000, while the third phase offers loans of up to ₹50,000. Thus, beneficiaries can receive working capital assistance ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, provided they maintain a good repayment record.

The scheme benefits a wide range of small entrepreneurs who sell goods or provide services in public places. These include fruit and vegetable vendors, tea and snack sellers, fast-food vendors, paan shop owners, clothing and footwear sellers, book and stationery vendors, flower and worship material sellers, mobile accessory vendors, as well as self-employed service providers such as barbers, cobblers, and laundry workers.

The impact of the PM SVANidhi Scheme continues to grow across Chhattisgarh. Thousands of vendors in districts such as Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, Raigarh, and Dhamtari have received financial support. Against a total sanctioned amount of ₹267.22 crore, more than ₹256.94 crore has already been disbursed, benefiting over 112,000 street vendors across the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the PM SVANidhi Scheme is not merely a loan distribution program but a comprehensive initiative to connect small entrepreneurs with the formal banking system. The scheme is strengthening the financial position of street vendors, increasing their incomes, and enabling them to build a better future for their families. Today, thousands of vendors across cities and towns in Chhattisgarh are expanding their businesses and achieving new milestones with the support of this scheme.

The PM SVANidhi Scheme has truly become a source of economic empowerment for hardworking street vendors whose efforts contribute significantly to the urban economy.