Dibrugarh (Assam) [India], August 31 (ANI): Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday lauded the successful implementation of the PM SVANidhi scheme, informing that the target to reach 1.15 crore beneficiaries under the scheme has been set.

'This program was implemented successfully. The beneficiaries enthusiastically expressed their views. This is a huge program for the poor. The steps taken by the Prime Minister to give them justice are commendable. I thank him on behalf of the people of the country. The target of 1.15 crore beneficiaries has been set,' Sonowal told reporters here.

Sonowal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proved through the successful implementation of the PM SVANidhi scheme that he will never let down the poor.

Sonowal, who is the Member of Parliament from Dibrugarh LSC, attended a public programme on the Prime Minister's Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme at the Auniati Satra branch in Mankota Road, Dibrugarh. The event was organised jointly by the Dibrugarh District administration and Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC).

During the program, the Union Minister interacted with several beneficiaries of the scheme.

'The primary goal of the PM SVANidhi scheme is self-reliance. Through this, an individual can support their family with dignity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned this strength and created the scheme to empower the poor and marginalised financially,' Sonowal said in his address.

Recalling the hardships faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'When restrictions crippled small businesses and street vendors, Prime Minister Modi launched this scheme to provide relief. Under it, banks were instructed to extend loans to vendors in three phases--starting with Rs 10,000, followed by Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 for those who repaid on time. Additionally, successful borrowers were given a 7 per cent interest subsidy.'

Sonowal added that the design of the repayment mechanism helped many small traders succeed.

The Union Minister today inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra at Milan Nagar in Dibrugarh, aimed at providing affordable generic medicines to the public. (ANI)