Street vendors in Kohima. (File photo for representational purpose only)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 29
A total of 6394 loans amounting to Rs 10.52 crore have been disbursed to street vendors in Nagaland under Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme as on June 27, 2026.
This was stated by Petevilie Khatsu, Additional Director & State Mission Director, DAY- NULM, Directorate of Urban Development, Nagaland, while sharing Nagaland’s progress under the scheme during a Varta on “12 Years of Government: From Empowerment to Prosperity: Urban Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship” organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB) Kohima at Hotel Japfu, Kohima
He said that that out of the target set by the Ministry for the state at 13,000 loans to be sanctioned within March 31, 2030, the banks have approved 6511 loans (worth Rs 10.75 Crores), registering an achievement of about 50% of the target. Out of these, 6394 loans have already been disbursed amounting to Rs 10.52 crore, he said. Achieving 50% of our target is a good start, but we have more work to do, he added.
He said that 60% of the vendors representing 3861 individuals have already repaid their loans on time, reflecting encouraging repayment discipline and the growing success of the scheme in the State. 200 bank branches across the state are providing loan to the street vendors, he added.
8 towns yet to register a single loan
The State Mission Director said that 8 towns/ULBs have not registered a single loan yet, namely: Naginimora, Tizit, Tobu, Atoizu, Satakha, Shamator, Seyochung and Chiephobozou.
“We need to focus heavily on these areas/towns,” he said.
Sharing some hurdles and challenges, he said that many vendors faced trouble because their AADHAAR cards are not linked to their current phone numbers, adding that many vendors do not know how to use digital payments and weak internet connection in interior areas posed as another area of concern.
“Some remote areas simply do not have enough bank branches,” he said.
PM SVANidhi is not just about giving loans; it is about giving respect and independence to local vendors, he added.
Khatsu also stressed on the need to work closely with banks to minimize vendor loan application rejections, hold local camps to fix AADHAAR-Mobile number linkage issues, and help the 8 towns that are currently left behind. “Let’s work together to support our street vendors and help Nagaland grow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khatsu urged eligible street vendors to avail the benefits of PM SVANidhi, describing it as a significant initiative towards financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and sustainable urban livelihoods while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to empowering street vendors with dignity and opportunity.
