RAS question
What is the total outlay for the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme?
Correct answer: (C) ₹7,332 crore.
The restructured PM SVANidhi scheme has a total outlay of Rs 7,332 crore, with its lending period extended until March 31, 2030.
Explanation
PM SVANidhi should be treated as a current economy fact on the post-restructuring outlay, not merely as a general welfare scheme. The Press Information Bureau release says the Union Cabinet approved the restructuring and extension of the lending period of the Prime Minister Street Vendor's Atma Nirbhar Nidhi scheme, and that the lending period now runs until March 31, 2030. PIB gives the total outlay as Rs 7,332 crore. That fixes option C as the only defensible answer. PIB also frames the restructured scheme around street vendors and notes that it aims to benefit 1.15 crore beneficiaries, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries, while the required figure is specifically the scheme outlay.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Rs 3,000 crore understates the official outlay, because the PIB release gives the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme's total outlay as Rs 7,332 crore.
- (B) Rs 5,000 crore is not the figure in the official release; PIB records Rs 7,332 crore as the total outlay after restructuring.
- (D) Rs 10,000 crore overstates the scheme outlay, since PIB fixes the total at Rs 7,332 crore.
Concept
This tests government schemes under the Indian Economy syllabus, especially the habit of tracking Cabinet-approved financial outlays and revised timelines. RAS often repeats such figures because they connect welfare delivery, informal-sector credit and current economic policy.