PRAYAGRAJ, March 30 -- In a push toward inclusive economic growth, rural street vendors in Prayagraj will now receive collateral-free loans and digital training under the expanded PM SVANidhi (Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) scheme-benefits previously limited to urban areas.

The initiative, which has already supported over 82,000 urban vendors in the district, is being extended for the first time to rural and peri-urban (rural-urban fringe) regions. More than 10,000 vendors across six development blocks such as Jasra, Bahadurpur, Phulpur, Soraon, Bhagwatpur and Shankargarh are expected to benefit. The registration process is currently underway, district officials said.

Street vendors, who typically operate from tempora...