Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Dec 18: 'Svanidhi Se Samrudhi Mela' held by Dakshina Kannada district administration and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) inaugurated at town hall here on December 18.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Dr Bharath Shetty and Vedavyas Kamath, mayor Sudhir Shetty Kannur, opposition leader Praveen Chandra Alva, and former mayors Divakar Pandeshwar and Shashidhar Hegde were present.

Addressing the gathering, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "The MCC is organizing an initiative closely aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It all began with the Prime Minister stating, ‘I am not just the Prime Minister of this country, but I am the prime servant of this country’. Today, events are being organized to benefit people from all walks of life. The Prime Minister himself emerged from a humble background, selling tea and repaying loans in his youth. His personal experiences have fuelled his commitment to ensuring that individuals do not have to resort to borrowing from private entities at exorbitant interest rates.”

Addressing the issue of street vendor licenses, Nalin said, “It has been a persistent challenge. Now, vendors no longer require a license; a permit or NOC is sufficient. They are eligible for a Rs. 10,000 loan, and timely repayment increases the amount to Rs. 20,000. This initiative extends to various businesses, including flower, newspaper, and milk vendors, as well as catering workers. This financial support empowers them to invest in upgrading their businesses or starting new ones. Another significant group benefiting from direct government assistance is cobblers, construction workers, fisheries labourers, and manual labourers, provided under the 'Vishwakarma scheme.' The 'Mudra Sala Saulabhya' initiative, introduced in three packages, has proven beneficial for lower-level entrepreneurs, aligning with the vision of promoting local businesses. Additionally, schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushalya programme and Deendayal Kaushalya programmes have supported individuals with lower educational backgrounds. Recognizing the strength of women in our community, the Prime Minister launched the 'Stand Up' scheme, providing monetary assistance to empower women in their businesses. The start-up programs aim to foster the development of business owners.”

Mayor Sudhir Kumar emphasized that these programmes will significantly benefit people in the long term. He noted the increasing number of applicants, with the first stage of payments already underway. “Divided into three stages, these initiatives underscore the duty of Mangaluru citizens to contribute to the economy and the development of the city and country. Aligning with the dream of the Prime Minister, these facilities cater to labourers and those working at lower levels,” he said pledging to promote and communicate these projects, with plans for additional programmes in the future. He stressed the importance of corporate unity, setting aside politics to fulfill the vision of making India 'Vishwaguru’.

Deputy commissioner admin Ravi Kumar and district skill development officer Deepak D'Souza, and all committee chairmen and all corporators of MCC were present.