New Delhi, Aug. 30 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said women account for 46% of beneficiaries under the PM SVANidhi scheme, which provides street vendors with credit for business expansion.

As many as 3.5 million women have received benefits under this 2020 scheme, Modi said during his monthly address to the nation, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Lakhs of women run tea stalls, sell vegetables, fruits and earthen lamps. "Often, a mere lack of capital prevents their businesses from growing further. around 35 lakh (350,000) women across the country are expanding their businesses by connecting with this scheme," he said.

According to the scheme's portal, there are 7.8 million beneficiaries under the PM SVANidhi scheme, for which the government...