The Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana has transformed the lives of street vendors, significantly improving their economic status, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Health, and Family Welfare, Pratap Jadhav, on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of an FSSAI-organised training programme for street vendors at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Reshimbagh, Jadhav emphasized that vendors should now focus on expanding their businesses by leveraging the financial support provided by the scheme.
Highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, Jadhav noted the diversity of the country’s cuisine, where the taste of food and water changes every few kilometers, yet Indian cuisine is celebrated globally. He also credited street food for shaping the nation’s culinary identity, mentioning that street food culture has now expanded to villages, providing farmers with an additional source of income.
Jadhav specifically referred to Mumbai’s famous street food, which he said feeds the city’s fast-paced population and has earned a reputation for its variety and accessibility.
Turning to the role of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Jadhav explained that the central government body plays a key role in maintaining food quality and safety. He urged street vendors to take full advantage of the training provided by FSSAI to improve their food products and stay competitive. The minister also stressed the importance of cleanliness and nutrition in the food sold by vendors, encouraging them to adhere to FSSAI guidelines.
Additionally, Jadhav announced that 100 districts across the country would soon have FSSAI-run street food centers to further enhance food quality standards. Around 2,000 street vendors, including 1,000 from Mumbai alone, have enrolled in the training. The programme will update vendors on hygiene standards, food quality adherence, and certification processes to ensure compliance with regulations.
With such initiatives, the government aims to further empower street vendors and support their growth in a competitive market.