Kerala on the rise: startup hub, enhanced rail connectivity and PM Svanidhi card for the underprivileged

Thiruvananthapuram (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced several major development initiatives for the state and the country from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. In his address, he said that today the central government's efforts for Kerala's development have gained new momentum.

He said that rail connectivity in Kerala has been further strengthened and concrete steps have been taken towards making Thiruvananthapuram a major startup hub of the country.

The Prime Minister said, "Today, a major initiative related to the welfare of the poor is being launched from Kerala for the entire country. The PM Svanidhi Credit Card has been launched, which will directly benefit street vendors and footpath workers across the country."

PM Modi said that the entire country is working together to build a developed India. Cities are playing a vital role in this development journey. Over the past 11 years, our government has invested heavily in urban infrastructure.

The Prime Minister stated that the Central Government is placing special emphasis on connectivity, science and innovation, and healthcare. The inauguration of the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala and the launch of the Radio Surgery Center at the Medical College will help make the state a major hub for science, innovation, and healthcare.

Beginning his address, PM Modi welcomed Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Cabinet colleagues, the newly elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, and other dignitaries. He said that strengthening rail connectivity will not only provide convenience to passengers but will also boost business and employment opportunities.

PM Modi also mentioned schemes launched for the poor and middle class. He said that the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme has been introduced to reduce electricity costs. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, economically weaker sections are being provided free health insurance up to ₹5 lakh. Schemes like the Matru Vandana Yojana are being implemented for the welfare of women.

He also said that the Central Government has made income up to Rs 12 lakh per annum tax free, which has provided great relief especially to the middle class and the people of Kerala have also benefited from it.

PM Modi said that over the past 11 years, the government has connected millions of people to the formal banking system. Now, even the poor, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, women, and fishermen can easily access bank loans. For those who don't have a collateral, the government itself acts as a guarantor.

Speaking about the plight of street vendors, he said that previously, they had to take out small loans at very high interest rates to purchase goods. To address this problem, the PM Svanidhi Yojana was launched, under which millions of street vendors received bank loans for the first time. Now, the government has taken a step further and launched a special credit card for them.

The Prime Minister informed that PM SVANidhi credit cards were recently distributed to beneficiaries in Thiruvananthapuram. Over 10,000 people in Kerala and over 600 in Thiruvananthapuram received these cards. Previously, credit cards were limited to the wealthy; now, even street vendors have SVANidhi credit cards.

Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Modi said that more than 40 million homes have been built across the country so far, including more than 10 million for the urban poor. This reflects the government's commitment to providing a dignified life to every citizen.