Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Oct 13: Udupi district has secured the top position in Karnataka under the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors’ AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, achieving an overall performance of 132.29% in disbursing three phases of loans to beneficiaries.
With a population of 2,18,575 across six urban local bodies, Udupi district distributed loans to 4,843 beneficiaries in the first phase against a target of 4,812 (102%). In the second phase, Rs 20,000 loans were given to 2,926 beneficiaries against the target of 3,357 (98%), and in the third phase, Rs 50,000 loans were disbursed to 1,026 beneficiaries against the target of 1,672 (95%). This consistent performance led to a cumulative achievement rate of 132.29%.
A total of 3,288 street vendors have adopted digital transactions. Under the first phase, loans worth Rs 4.85 crore (Rs 10,000 each) were disbursed, along with Rs 0.14 crore as interest subsidy credited to beneficiaries’ accounts and Rs 0.21 crore earned as digital transaction cashback. In the second phase, loans worth Rs 5.85 crore (Rs 20,000 each) were distributed with Rs 20 lac cashback benefits. In the third phase, Rs 5.07 crore (Rs 50,000 each) loans were provided with Rs 0.18 lac cashback.
The top ten districts recognized for their outstanding achievements are Udupi, Kodagu, Yadgir, Dharwad, Chamarajanagar, Ballari, Davangere, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, and Koppal.
Representing Udupi among the recognized beneficiaries were Prasad, a cloth merchant from Karkala, who was selected for the PM SVANidhi third-anniversary celebration; Chammar Manikantha from Kundapura, who interacted with the Prime Minister during the event; and Hemalatha from Udupi, a sweets vendor who participated in the celebrations held in Delhi and Bengaluru.
The PM SVANidhi scheme has been instrumental in empowering small and street vendors, helping them avoid high-interest loans and build financial confidence. It has also encouraged digital transactions among vendors.
“Since 2022, Udupi district has consistently held the first position in the state. The scheme has enhanced vendors’ self-reliance and financial discipline,” said Ramakrishna, manager of PM SVANidhi (National Urban Livelihood Mission).
District skill development officer Arun Kumar added, “Loan repayment in Udupi stands at 95%. Beneficiaries must use the funds for the intended purpose and ensure timely repayment, as delays can affect their credit score and future loan eligibility.”
Udupi’s exemplary implementation of the PM SVANidhi scheme continues to set a benchmark for other districts in Karnataka.