Sankranthi gift to 3.95 lakh AP small traders; Rs 395 cr disbursed under Jagananna Thodu

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday disbursed Rs.395 crore under the Jagananna Thodu to assist 3.95 lakh tiny traders and craftsmen with interest-free loans of Rs.10,000 each.

The Chief Minister also released Rs 15.17 crore towards reimbursement of interest to benefit 13.28 lakh beneficiaries who have repaid loans promptly in the last six months. The amount was released virtually by the touch of a button at the camp office here on Wednesday, and the Chief Minister stated that the scheme's beneficiaries, in addition to becoming part and parcel of the self-employed community, are also indirectly aiding the society in a significant way.

He said it was a matter of pride for the State that it had sanctioned 24, 06,000 loans out of the total number of 39,21,000 loans given in the entire country. Out of the total 15,31,347 beneficiaries, 8,74,745 traders and artisans were promptly repaying their loans and had become inseparable part of the scheme by recycling their loans with great discipline, he said, adding that it indicates a good change in the society.

The Chief Minister said that eligible people who could not avail the scheme for various reasons in the past could still apply through village and ward secretariats and such people would be included in the scheme at the end of social audit every six months.

During his Praja Sankalpa Yatra, the Chief Minister saw the hardships of countless artisans and minor traders and decided to put an end to their plight by creating the Jagananna Thodu plan.

"With today’s disbursal that benefits 28,000 new traders and artisans, the government has so far reimbursed ₹63.65 crore as interest alone while the total loan amount sanctioned has benefitted 15.31 lakh people of which 80 percent belong to SC, ST, BC and minority communities," said YS Jagan.

People selling fruits, vegetables, and food stuffs on push carts, people running roadside tifin centres, and others selling products in baskets and vending products on motor cycles and auto rickshaws were among the beneficiaries, as are Bobbili veena makers, artisans involved in brass work, Kondapalli and Etikoppaka toy makers, puppet, Kalankari, and lace makers.

Deputy Chief Minister (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Budi Mutyala Naidu, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Dr Audimulapu Suresh and senior officials were among those present.