The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, participated in the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ celebrations by visiting a tribal village near Rani. During the visit, he paid homage to Birsa Munda, a tribal icon, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Sonowal also interacted with the villagers and expressed his gratitude to the tribal population for their immense contribution to nation-building.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal mentioned that more than 12 crore Adivasi people in India have been benefited from multiple government welfare schemes since 2014, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the launch of the Vikshit Bharat Sankalp Yatra by PM Modi, which aims to create awareness about various welfare schemes catering to the long-awaited needs and demands of the Adivasi people.

Sonowal further emphasized the importance of providing essential services such as sanitation facilities, financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, reliable healthcare, and clean drinking water. He praised PM Modi’s leadership in building a new India, where individuals from all backgrounds have an opportunity to become nation builders.

Sonowal also hosted an interactive session with women street vendors in Assam, who have availed loans under the PM SVANidhi scheme. He appreciated their contribution to the economy and business growth, and mentioned that PM Modi is keenly interested in understanding the ground impact of government schemes. Sonowal added that the PM SVANidhi scheme has helped street vendors re-establish their businesses post the pandemic and contribute meaningfully to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The PM SVANidhi scheme is a special micro credit facility for street vendors, aimed at providing affordable loans and promoting digital transactions. It has benefitted over 50 lakh street vendors across the country.

In conclusion, Sonowal praised the vendors of Assam for achieving an 84% repayment rate for the loans, which not only promotes business opportunities but also fosters a positive culture of financial discipline. He called for collective efforts towards achieving PM Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India by 2047.

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