CM Manik Saha Highlights PM SVANidhi Progress in Tripura
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday, 31 May 2026, addressed beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Yojana at Mukta Dhara auditorium in Agartala, highlighting the scheme's reach among street vendors across the state and thanking the central government for extending the programme's deadline to 31 March 2030.
Context
Speaking at the beneficiary event, Dr. Saha noted that out of 19,727 loan applications received so far, 9,578 applications have been approved and loans worth Rs 15.28 crore have been disbursed to street vendors in Tripura. He added that 5,000 street vendors have already repaid their loans, underlining the financial discipline among beneficiaries.
The event was held in the presence of Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, who attended the programme in Agartala. Dr. Saha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for the extension of the scheme, calling it a sincere step toward the socio-economic upliftment of street vendors.
Policy Backdrop
The PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was launched nationally in June 2020 to provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors who were adversely affected by COVID-19 lockdowns. The scheme offers loans of up to Rs 10,000 in the first tranche, with higher credit limits available to vendors who repay on time.
The scheme also incentivises digital transactions and integrates vendors into the formal financial ecosystem, aligning with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of formalising informal sector workers through affordable credit access.
Stakeholders and Impact
Dr. Saha described street vendors as 'bright examples' (উজ্জ্বল দৃষ্টান্ত) of financial discipline, digital transactions, and self-reliance. The repayment of loans by 5,000 vendors in Tripura was cited as evidence of the scheme's grassroots success.
The programme directly impacts the livelihoods of thousands of informal traders in the state, providing them structured credit access that was previously unavailable through conventional banking channels. The extension to 2030 ensures continuity of support for vendors yet to be covered.
What's Next
With the scheme now extended to 31 March 2030, the Tripura government is expected to push for higher loan disbursement and broader coverage of street vendors who are yet to access the programme. Further beneficiary camps and state-level review meetings on disbursement and repayment trends are likely.
The participation of a Union Minister at the Agartala event signals continued central attention to the scheme's implementation in the Northeast, and Tripura's performance in repayment metrics could position it as a model for other states under the programme.