Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to uplifting the poor through the successful implementation of the PM SVANidhi scheme. Speaking at a public programme held at the Auniati Satra branch on Mankota Road in Dibrugarh, the Minister emphasised the scheme’s role in driving self-reliance among marginalised street vendors and small traders.

The event, jointly organised by the Dibrugarh District Administration and the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation, brought together several beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme. Shri Sonowal, who represents Dibrugarh in Parliament, interacted with the attendees and highlighted the transformational impact of the initiative.

He explained that the scheme, launched during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, was designed to offer direct financial support to vendors whose livelihoods were severely affected by lockdowns. Under PM SVANidhi, vendors could access loans in three stages: Rs 10,000 in the first phase, Rs 20,000 in the second, and up to Rs 50,000 in the third phase for those with a good repayment track record. A 7 per cent interest subsidy was also provided to successful borrowers, helping many stabilise their businesses.

“The core aim of PM SVANidhi is to restore dignity through financial independence. The Prime Minister’s vision was to empower the poor, not merely with subsidies, but with real tools for self-sufficiency,” said Sonowal. He credited the loan structure and repayment design for enabling small traders to succeed.

Taking a swipe at the Congress party, Sonowal remarked, “Despite 55 years in power, the Congress failed to ensure welfare delivery. Even Shri Rajiv Gandhi once admitted that only 16 paise of every rupee reached the poor. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, every rupee reaches the intended beneficiary. His governance follows the principles of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.’”

Later in the day, Shri Sonowal inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra at Milan Nagar in Dibrugarh, aimed at offering affordable generic medicines to the public and reducing healthcare costs.

The event was attended by several key dignitaries, including Assam Cabinet Minister and Dibrugarh MLA Shri Prasanta Phukan, Khumtai MLA Shri Chakradhar Gogoi, Duliajan MLA Shri Terash Gowala, Lahowal MLA Shri Binod Hazarika, Deputy Mayor of DMC Shri Ujjal Phukan, Deputy Commissioner Shri Bikram Kairi, DMC Commissioner Shri Joy Vikas, Dibrugarh Development Authority Chairman Shri Asim Hazarika, Zila Parishad Chairperson Pushpanjali Sonowal, and SKAC Chief Executive Member Shri Tonkeshwar Sonowal, among others.