: Tuesday, June 09, 2026 6:43 PM
Jaipur,. Under the efficient and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Prime Minister Street Vendors Self-reliant Fund (PM Swanidhi) scheme is being effectively implemented in the state. This scheme is not only providing financial support to lakhs of street and footpath vendors, but is also providing them an opportunity to live a self-reliant, self-reliant and respectable life. Out of 3 lakh 62 thousand 565 applicants eligible under the scheme in the state, so far loans worth Rs 439 crore have been approved to 3 lakh 6 thousand 255 beneficiaries. Out of these, loans amounting to more than Rs 428 crore 93 lakh have been distributed to more than 3 lakh beneficiaries. This achievement is a strong proof of the commitment and effective implementation of the double engine government of the state.
It is noteworthy that till now more than 1 lakh 64 thousand beneficiaries of Swanidhi Yojana of the state have set an inspiring example of financial discipline and self-respect by repaying their loans on time. PM Swanidhi Yojana encourages timely and prompt loan repayment. Under this, 7 percent annual interest subsidy is provided to the beneficiaries. So far, interest subsidy of more than Rs 6 crore 57 lakh has been directly transferred to the accounts of beneficiaries making timely loan repayment in Rajasthan. Additionally, street vendors who repay their loans on time become eligible for a higher loan amount in the next phase.
‘Svanidhi’ is proving to be a lifeline for street vendors.
The popularity of PM Swanidhi Yojana can be gauged from the fact that more than 60 thousand street vendors in Jaipur city and more than 18 thousand street vendors in Jodhpur city have applied for this scheme. Not only this, 14 thousand 68 in Bikaner city, 13 thousand 165 in Ajmer city, 10 thousand 665 in Udaipur city including Bhilwara, Alwar, Sriganganagar, Bharatpur, Hanumangarh, Beawar and Sawai Madhopur cities, apart from Barmer, Makrana, Dausa, Jaisalmer, Balotra, Sardarshahar, Rajsamand, Jhalawar, Suratgarh, Karauli. Thousands of street vendors in small civic bodies are also benefiting from this scheme.
It is noteworthy that till now in Rajasthan, loans have been approved to more than 84 percent of the applicants under the scheme, while the necessary action for distribution of loans to the remaining applicants is under process.
Street vendors are the strong foundation of the urban economy. For years, these small businessmen were unable to get loans from the formal banking system and were forced to take loans from moneylenders at high interest rates.
With the aim of overcoming these challenges, the Prime Minister Street Vendors Self-reliant Fund (PM Swanidhi) scheme was launched in June 2020. This is the first micro finance scheme in the country specifically designed for street vendors and backed by the credit guarantee of the Central Government.
Powerful medium of self-employment, self-reliance and self-respect
PM Swanidhi Yojana today is not limited to just providing loans, rather it has become a campaign of economic empowerment, digital inclusion and social security. Under the scheme, working capital loans up to Rs 15 thousand, Rs 25 thousand and Rs 50 thousand are provided to the beneficiaries in a phased manner without any guarantee.
Millions of street vendors joining the digital economy
Under the scheme, sellers who successfully repay the second round of loan are eligible for a UPI-linked RuPay credit card with a limit of up to Rs 30,000. Cashback up to Rs 1,600 is given to beneficiaries to promote digital transactions.
So far, more than 2 lakh 26 thousand beneficiaries in the state have been benefited with cashback amounting to more than Rs 10 crore. With this initiative, thousands of small traders are becoming a part of the modern financial system by connecting to the digital payment system and their banking access is being strengthened.
Strong shield of social security also
Through the ‘Svanidhi Se Samridhi’ initiative, socio-economic survey of the beneficiaries and their families is being done and they are being linked to various central welfare schemes. Due to this, the benefits of health, education, housing, insurance and social security schemes are reaching the needy families. Apart from this, with the help of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), training related to financial literacy, digital literacy, food safety and hygiene is also being provided to the beneficiaries, thereby increasing the quality and income of their business.
Independent impact assessment studies have clearly shown positive results of the PM Swanidhi scheme. About 95 percent of the beneficiaries obtained a loan from a formal financial institution for the first time. Nearly 30 percent of the beneficiaries also obtained additional loans later, indicating their increased credit eligibility and financial credibility. An average annual increase of up to 20 percent has been recorded in the income of the beneficiaries. This has improved the quality of life of their families and facilitated access to nutritious food, better health services and quality education.
Medium of empowerment of women and deprived sections
PM Swanidhi Yojana has also emerged as an effective example of social inclusion. In Rajasthan, about 34 percent of the beneficiaries of the scheme are women, while about 70 percent of the beneficiaries belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and other deprived communities. This reflects the broad and inclusive reach of the scheme.
Strong step towards developed Rajasthan
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state government is ensuring that even the last person of the society joins the mainstream of development. PM Swanidhi Yojana is a strong example of this thinking, which has infused economic stability, respect and new hopes into the lives of millions of small businessmen.
In view of the success of the scheme, its duration has been extended till March 2030 by the Central Government. This will enable more street vendors to get the benefits of self-employment, financial empowerment and social security in the coming years. PM Swanidhi today is not just a government scheme, but has become the story of dreams, struggles and success of lakhs of hardworking families. Its effective implementation in Rajasthan is giving new strength to the resolve of developed Rajasthan and self-reliant India.
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Web Title-Loans worth over 426 crore disbursed to more than 3 lakh street vendors in Rajasthan.
