The festive season is upon us, and for many, Diwali is not just a celebration but a golden opportunity to enhance their income. In a move to support street vendors, self-help groups, and individuals, the State Urban Livelihood Mission has unveiled the Diwali Fair, a vibrant event designed to elevate the livelihoods of these individuals ahead of the festival. The fair is part of the PM SVANidhi scheme and promises unbeatable prices that even e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon can’t match locally.
As per the guidelines issued, all district magistrates are tasked with organizing the Diwali Fair in open spaces, ensuring ample room for parking, food stalls, swings, and cultural programs. Microphone announcements will be used to publicize the fair in main markets, and a chief nodal officer will be appointed at the district level to oversee its successful execution.
The fair will be orchestrated by a committee chaired by the district magistrate, and to cater to the well-being of street vendors and self-help group members, medical camps will be set up, offering medical advice and essential medicines. Moreover, the event will feature a plethora of competitions, ranging from art, slogan writing, mehndi, rangoli, dance, singing, to cooking, all aimed at promoting creativity and nurturing talent.
One of the highlights of the Diwali Fair is the provision for loan applications under the PM SVANidhi scheme. Banks will be present at stalls to facilitate the approval of the first, second, and third loan applications, ensuring that financial support reaches those who need it most. Departmental stalls will also be established, connecting vendors with the PM SVANidhi scheme and eight other related schemes, thereby enhancing vendor profiling and engagement. Vendors who actively participate in digital transactions with the chance to earn cashback during the cultural programs will receive special honors.
In essence, the Diwali Fair organized under the PM SVANidhi scheme serves as a platform for street vendors, self-help groups, and individuals to augment their income in preparation for the festival. The fair not only offers a plethora of activities and competitions but also creates opportunities for vendors to access loans and align themselves with various relevant schemes. All in all, this event is expected to be a vibrant and beneficial experience for all participants.
