Street vendors form the backbone of India’s local economy, yet they often lack access to formal financial services. To address this, the government launched a special program called Prime Minister SVANidhi Yojana to provide them with affordable credit and digital empowerment.
Prime Minister SVANidhi Yojana
The Prime Minister SVANidhi Yojana has become a lifeline for thousands of street vendors across India. Introduced in June 2020, this scheme was designed to provide working capital loans to help small vendors sustain their businesses.
It not only ensures immediate financial relief but also promotes digital transactions, builds credit history, and connects vendors with broader social welfare schemes. With these features, it goes beyond being a loan facility and serves as a tool for long-term financial empowerment.
What is the PM SVANidhi Yojana?
The PM SVANidhi Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to support urban street vendors. It provides collateral-free loans to vendors who suffered during the pandemic, enabling them to revive their businesses and expand gradually.

Apart from financial help, the scheme encourages digital payments and rewards those who use them regularly. This promotes transparency while helping vendors develop a positive credit profile for future borrowing.
The scheme has also boosted the confidence of vendors by offering official recognition. For many, this is the first time they have access to structured credit without relying on informal moneylenders.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
The PM SVANidhi Yojana comes with multiple benefits designed for financial stability:
- Collateral-free loans starting from ₹10,000 and scaling up to ₹50,000 in future cycles.
- 7% annual interest subsidy credited directly into the borrower’s account.
- Cashback incentives of up to ₹1,200 per year for adopting digital transactions.
- Improved credit score, making vendors eligible for higher loans.
- Integration with social welfare schemes, providing overall security.
| Loan Cycle | Loan Amount | Repayment Tenure | Special Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | ₹10,000 | 12 Months | Cashback on digital payments |
| Second | ₹20,000 | 18 Months | Subsidized interest |
| Third | ₹50,000 | 24 Months | Higher loan eligibility |
This step-by-step approach helps vendors scale their businesses at a pace they can manage.
Eligibility Criteria
Not every vendor qualifies for the scheme, which ensures it benefits genuine applicants. The eligibility rules include:
- Must be a street vendor in an urban or peri-urban area.
- Vendor’s name should appear in the municipal body’s survey list.
- Must possess a Certificate of Vending or a Letter of Recommendation (LoR).
- Vendors who began work after March 2020 can apply with a LoR from the Town Vending Committee.
These criteria make the scheme inclusive while ensuring its benefits reach the right groups.
How to Apply Online for PM SVANidhi Yojana
Applying is straightforward and fully digital:
- Visit pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in.
- Select “Apply Loan” and choose the type of loan.
- Register using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Enter personal and bank details.
- Upload required documents such as Aadhaar, bank passbook, and vending certificate.
- Submit the form and track your application online.
The transparent digital system reduces delays and ensures fair approval.
Why the Scheme Matters
Street vendors often depend on private moneylenders who charge high interest. By offering structured, affordable loans, the PM SVANidhi Yojana provides relief and helps them avoid debt traps.
Moreover, the scheme promotes digital payments, improving efficiency and reducing cash dependency. This aligns with India’s vision of a cashless economy while also giving vendors access to wider markets.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister SVANidhi Yojana – Benefits, Eligibility & Online Apply is not just a government scheme but a symbol of inclusion, offering dignity and financial growth opportunities to millions of small vendors across India.
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