Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Highlights How PM SVANidhi Is Empowering Women Vendors

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role of women street vendors in driving household economic growth. He cited the PM SVANidhi scheme as an example of how access to credit can help small businesses expand.

Speaking during the 137th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said women make up around 46 per cent of the scheme’s beneficiaries. According to him, this translates to nearly 35 lakh women using the initiative to strengthen their businesses across the country.

PM Modi said many women run small ventures selling vegetables, fruits, flowers, tea, earthen lamps and religious items, but limited capital often restricts their growth. The scheme, he said, is helping address that challenge.

The Prime Minister narrated the experience of Babita Sharma from Ghaziabad, who sold flowers, lamps, incense sticks, coconuts and other worship-related items from a roadside stall.

Financial assistance through PM SVANidhi enabled her to increase her stock and attract more customers, eventually helping her move into a proper shop.

PM Modi then spoke about TS Ningamma from Bengaluru, who started selling idli, dosa and sambar with her husband. After receiving support through the scheme, she upgraded her cart, purchased supplies in larger quantities and expanded her menu.

The increased business brought higher earnings and improved the family’s financial position, PM Modi said.

Ningamma can now provide better education for her three children, he added.

The Prime Minister said the benefits of a woman’s economic progress extend beyond her individual livelihood.

“When a woman’s business grows, the future of her entire family advances along with it,” PM Modi said. He linked women’s financial independence with better education, greater household security and increased self-confidence.

PM Modi concluded by wishing women street vendors across the country continued success and a brighter future.

Also Read: Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Hails Global Participation In ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign