Dehradun: Fruit, Vegetable Vendors To Get Easy Loans via Municipal Corporation; Loans Up To Rs 50,000 On Offer

In the Union Budget, the Modi government has once again strengthened the Atmanirbhar Bharat Fund, opening new self-employment opportunities for the poor and needy through municipal bodies. Under this scheme, fruit and vegetable vendors and street cart operators in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation area will be provided with loans at affordable rates, enabling them to restart or begin their businesses anew. 

According to Municipal Corporation sources, a large number of people in Doon have previously benefited from this scheme, and opportunities are now available for others in need. The government's objective is that the urban poor can become self-reliant through self-employment and support their families in a dignified manner. 

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Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Fund, street cart operators and small traders will initially be given a loan of up to Rs 10,000, with the government bearing approximately seven per cent of the interest. If the beneficiary repays the loan on time and their business grows, a provision has also been made for a subsequent loan of Rs 25,000, followed by up to Rs 50,000. 

According to reports, many fruit and vegetable vendors and small business owners in the Doon Municipal Corporation area have already benefited from this scheme, leading to an increase in their income. 

Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal said that this scheme will not only provide relief to small traders but will also strengthen the urban economy. The re-inclusion of this fund in the budget makes it clear that the central government is prioritising self-employment and self-reliance. 

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The scope of this scheme is now also being extended to women's self-help groups. Currently, through the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, many women's groups are engaged in activities such as door-to-door waste collection. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Fund will help these groups to further expand their work and create new employment opportunities.