‘Achhe Din’ of UP’s momos seller after interaction with PM Modi, his sales double

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi Yojana (PM SVANidhi Scheme) from Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing. The interaction came as blessing in disguise for Arvind, a momos shop owner whose shop was closed due to Covid-19 triggered lockdown.

Arvind Maurya’s fate has changed. Today’s his shop witnesses heavy rush, his sales have doubled. All this happened after he got a chance to speak with PM Modi under the PM SVANidhi scheme.

Arvind Maurya told the PM that he offers a free momo (steamed dumpling with some form of filling) to each of those who wear masks and follow social distancing to keep Covid-19 at bay.

On being asked if he faced any problems in getting loan under the scheme, Arvind said, “No. Officials of Varanasi Nagar Nigam and district urban development authority did a survey and had a form filled. After a week, I got a call from my bank branch that Rs 10,000 loan had been sanctioned. I went to the bank with a copy of my Aadhaar card and the certificate issued by the Nagar Nigam and the money was transferred into my account.”

Sales got doubled

Arvind said that he used to earn Rs. 1600 to Rs. 2000 every day before the lockdown. When his shop opened after the lockdown, the sale went down to just Rs. 1200, but on October 28, Arvind earned Rs. 2600 rupees, which is the highest ever.

Arvind said that by talking to us and praising Momos, PM Modi has given our shop a national identity and because of this our sales have doubled.