Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad, July 28 — The Gujarat government on Tuesday announced a financial rehabilitation package for traders, street vendors and shopkeepers affected by recent heavy rains in Ahmedabad district and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area, providing cash assistance and support for access to institutional finance.
The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with Government Spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani announcing that the package would be implemented on the lines of the relief measures introduced for rain-affected traders in Surat.
Vaghani said the initiative was aimed at helping businesses recover from losses caused by heavy rainfall and resume economic activity.
"Under the guidance of the Chief Minister, the state government has always remained sensitive to the needs of all sections of society. The government has consistently stood by small and big traders as well as self-employed citizens during difficult times," he added.
He added that Ahmedabad, being a major commercial centre of Gujarat, required support to help affected traders rebuild their businesses.
"The government is committed to helping traders recover from the losses caused by heavy rains, restoring their confidence, and reviving business activity," Vaghani said.
As part of the package, lump-sum cash assistance will be provided to handcart vendors, street vendors, and owners of small and large cabins in affected areas to help them restart their businesses.
The Minister said that shop owners who have filed their GST return for the last quarter will be eligible for lump-sum cash assistance of Rs one lakh.
He also added that affected traders, owners of large shops and permanent commercial establishments who have filed their GST returns for the last quarter will be required to apply for interest subsidy within six months from the date of the government resolution notifying the package.
The state government will also facilitate access to loans from banks and financial institutions for eligible affected business units, with the necessary process being initiated to extend financial support.
The package covers traders, hawkers and shopkeepers affected by the recent heavy rainfall in Ahmedabad district and the municipal corporation limits, with the aim of providing immediate assistance and supporting the revival of commercial activities.