NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) via video conferencing today. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is being undertaken across the country to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.

Ms Mona, a transgender VBSY Beneficiary from Chandigarh who originally hails from Ranchi, Jharkhand informed the Prime Minister about owning a tea shop in Chandigarh which runs from 6 in the evening to 10 in the night.

Upon the Prime Minister’s enquiry, Ms Mona informed that she availed a loan of Rs 10,000 through PM Svanidhi Scheme which helped in setting up the tea stall. Ms Mona further added that it was a call by the city corporation that informed about the availability of a loan. Noting that maximum transactions at Ms Mona’s tea stall take place via UPI, Shri Modi enquired if the banks reached out to her for additional loans. Ms Mona informed that her subsequent loan disbursals were worth Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. The Prime Minister expressed immense satisfaction that Ms Mona has progressed to the third stage with zero interest.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to inspire more people from the transgender society to avail such government benefits. PM Modi underlined the government’s spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas where development has reached every strata of the society. He expressed satisfaction that the government’s efforts are headed in the correct direction concerning the efforts and progress of  Ms Mona. PM Modi informed about the Railways' decision to hand over the operation of all shops on a Assam Railway Station to the people of transgender society and that the business is booming. He congratulated Ms Mona on her successful growth.

Source: PIB