A Lok Kalyan Mela aimed at facilitating access to government welfare and livelihood support schemes was organised at DC’s office Chumoukedima on September 24, with a focus on the Prime Minister’s Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Executive Officer, Chumoukedima Town Council (CTC), Lemlila Sangtam, NCS, highlighted the importance of taking government schemes directly to eligible beneficiaries and ensuring that people receive proper guidance and assistance in accessing available benefits.

The PM SVANidhi scheme provides collateral-free working-capital loans to eligible street vendors. Under the loan structure, the first tranche provides up to ₹15,000, followed by a second tranche of up to ₹25,000 for beneficiaries who repay the first loan on time. A third tranche of up to ₹50,000 is available for eligible vendors seeking further business expansion.

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The scheme also provides an interest subsidy of 7 per cent per annum for timely repayment. In addition, digital transactions are encouraged through incentives, while eligible beneficiaries can also access UPI-linked RuPay credit card support for greater financial flexibility.

The Lok Kalyan Mela served as an outreach platform to assist eligible vendors with loan applications, bank linkage, digital payment onboarding and QR-code facilities. Awareness was also provided on various Central and State Government welfare and social-security schemes.

The initiative seeks to strengthen financial inclusion, support the livelihoods of street vendors and small entrepreneurs, and ensure that government welfare programmes reach eligible beneficiaries at the grassroots level.