PM-SURAJ Portal: Credit Support for Marginalised Entrepreneurs

Category: Government Schemes / Social Justice

UPSC Notes

PM-SURAJ stands for Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan. It is a national portal launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 13 March 2024.

The initiative seeks to improve access to credit support for entrepreneurs from disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

Major objectives

  • Facilitate credit support for eligible entrepreneurs.

  • Promote self-employment and livelihood opportunities.

  • Improve access to financial assistance for disadvantaged communities.

  • Support inclusive economic development.

The initiative connects beneficiaries with relevant credit-support mechanisms and schemes administered through associated institutions.

Key Pointers for UPSC

  • Launch: 13 March 2024.

  • Ministry: Social Justice and Empowerment.

  • Focus: Credit access and entrepreneurship among disadvantaged communities.

  • It is not simply a direct cash-transfer scheme.

  • Distinguish PM-SURAJ from PM SVANidhi, which focuses on eligible street vendors.