PM SVANidhi: Street Vendor Empowerment

Introduction

PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) was launched in June 2020 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package during COVID-19. It provides collateral-free working capital loans of up to ₹50,000 to street vendors affected by the pandemic. The scheme combines credit support with digital payments, social security, and linkages to other welfare schemes - making it a holistic street vendor empowerment programme.

Street Vendors in India

Who are Street Vendors?

• Definition: Persons who offer goods/services to public without permanent built-up structure (Street Vendors Act, 2014)
• Estimated population: ~1 crore (NULM estimate)
• Sectors: Food/beverage (35%), fruits/vegetables (20%), garments (15%), services (10%), other (20%)
• Gender composition: 65% male, 35% female
• Age: Majority between 25-45 years
• Education: 70% have less than 10th standard education
• Bank linkage: Only 25% had bank accounts before PM SVANidhi

Challenges Faced