Street vendors of UP to become brand ambassadors, will make others aware

Lucknow| A new initiative is being taken by the Yogi government for street vendors under the Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana in the state, in which they will be identified at the district and city level and appointed as brand ambassadors. The objective of this effort of Yogi government is not only to economically empower street vendors but also to recognize their contribution to the society.

Under this initiative, the ‘Svanidhi Bhi, Swabhiman Bhi’ fortnight, which ran between 18 November and 2 December, has started from Monday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the Urban Development Department to ensure active participation of street vendors and their families in this event.

As per the intention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under PM Swanidhi Yojana, members of TVC (Town Vending Committee) and active street vendors have been identified as Swanidhi Mitras by the Yogi government, who will help other street vendors in getting the benefits of the scheme. They will also be made aware about various provisions of the scheme.

Yogi government is motivating street vendors for maximum digital transactions. Even before this, street vendors have been honored in various events like Swanidhi Diwali, Makar Sankranti Mahotsav etc., who received maximum cashback through digital medium. This step has been taken with the aim of promoting Digital India across the state and making the income of street vendors transparent.

During the event, free medical camps and health check-up camps will also be organized for street vendors, in which the health of them and their families will be taken care of. This initiative is part of an effort to provide health services to those sections of the society who are generally deprived of these facilities.

Swanidhi Mahotsav was organized on a large scale in all the districts on 1st June and 7th July last year. Street vendors and their family members participated in the event and shared their experiences. Apart from this, cultural programs were organized during Diwali fair and Makar Sankranti Mela, in which competitions of painting, slogan writing, mehendi, rangoli, dance-singing and dish making were organized. The objective of these events was to provide a positive and empowering platform to street vendors and their families.

The steps taken by the Yogi government under the Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana are bringing a positive change in the lives of street vendors. Not only are they getting financial assistance, but their contribution to the society is also being honored. Through ‘Swanidhi Bhi, Swabhiman Bhi’ fortnight and upcoming events, the Yogi government is ensuring that street vendors become more empowered towards self-reliance.