New Delhi: Sharing what he described as a “living example” of women’s empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said women account for 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Yojana, reflecting how women are using the initiative to expand their small businesses and improve their families’ financial prospects.
Speaking during the 137th episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said, “From morning till evening, lakhs of women across the streets of our cities and towns are engaged in their work. Some sell vegetables or fruits, others run tea stalls, while some sell flowers, earthen lamps, and worship materials. Often, a mere lack of capital prevents their businesses from growing further.”
He said the PM SVANidhi scheme was providing financial support to many such women and helping them strengthen and expand their livelihoods.
“However, now, lakhs of such mothers and sisters are gaining new strength through the ‘PM SVANidhi Yojana’. This aspect of ‘women empowerment’ is not discussed as much as it should be. Women account for approximately 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of the ‘PM SVANidhi Yojana’. This means that around 35 lakh women across the country are expanding their businesses by connecting with this scheme,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi cited the example of Babita Sharma from Ghaziabad, who earlier operated a small roadside stall selling items used for worship, including flowers, earthen lamps, incense sticks and coconuts, while contributing to her family’s livelihood.
“She worked very hard, but capital was needed to grow the business. She received financial assistance through ‘PM SVANidhi’. She increased her stock and expanded her business. Her customer base and income grew, and gradually, her small roadside stall transformed into a proper shop,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the story of T.S. Ningamma from Bengaluru, describing it as “very inspiring”.
“Ningamma ji and her husband started a small venture selling idli, dosa, and sambar. The business took off, but capital was required to take it to the next level. Ningamma ji also received support from ‘PM SVANidhi’. She upgraded her cart, began purchasing supplies in bulk, and added new items to her menu,” PM Modi said.
“As customers and earnings increased, the family’s financial situation improved. Today, she is able to provide a better education for her three children,” he added.
Emphasising the wider impact of women’s economic participation, PM Modi said that the growth of a woman’s business benefits not only her but also the entire family.
“When a woman’s business grows, the future of her entire family advances along with it. Children receive a better education, household needs are met, and the woman’s self-confidence is strengthened. This is, indeed, a living example of ‘women’s empowerment’,” the Prime Minister said.
“I extend my best wishes for a bright future to all the sisters involved in street vending,” he added.
(IANS)
