June 3, 2026

. NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till March 2030, expanding a programme that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors struggling with loss of income and working capital.Launched in June 2020, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was aimed at bringing urban street vendors into the formal financial system through institutional credit, digital payments and welfare linkages.The scheme was designed taking in account the small vendors selling vegetables, tea, flowers, snacks, shoes, household items and essential services on a daily basis powering the streets. These vendors form the backbone of the urban informal economy, supplying affordable goods and maintaining neighbourhood-level supply chains across cities and towns.For decades, most street vendors operated outside the formal financial system. Access to institutional credit remained limited, forcing many to depend on informal lenders charging high interest rates.What is PM SVANidhi?PM SVANidhi is a microfinance scheme designed for street vendors operating in urban areas. The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans and seeks to reduce vendors’ dependence on informal borrowing.The scheme also promotes digital payment adoption, institutional banking access, financial literacy, and social protection coverage. The larger objective is to integrate street vendors into the formal financial ecosystem while improving the sustainability of their livelihoods.Who are the beneficiaries?The scheme targets street vendors operating in cities and towns across India. These include:vegetable sellerstea vendorsroadside repair workerssmall market tradersflower sellersother self-employed urban workersUnder the scheme, more than 75 lakh beneficiaries have availed benefits out of which nearly 46 percent beneficiaries are women, and around 70 percent beneficiaries belong to marginalised communities.How the scheme worksPM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working capital loans in phases. The loans are offered with guarantee support and are linked to repayment performance.The scheme provides loans in three stages:Rs 10,000Rs 20,000Rs 50,000Vendors who repay earlier loans on time become eligible for higher loan amounts in later stages. The model is intended to gradually improve vendors’ creditworthiness and financial stability.Nearly 100 per cent of borrowers who completed earlier loans became eligible for additional institutional loans, indicating expansion in formal credit access.Digital payment incentivesOne of the central components of PM SVANidhi is digital financial integration.To encourage vendors to adopt digital payments and financial literacy, the scheme offers cashback incentives for digital transactions. Beneficiaries can receive incentives of up to Rs 1,600 for digital transactions and so far more than 5.5 million beneficiaries have been digitally connected under the scheme carrying out digital transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore.The scheme further includes a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card facility. Vendors who successfully complete the second-stage loan process become eligible for a RuPay credit card with a limit of up to Rs 30,000.This aspect of the scheme is designed to bring small informal businesses into India’s expanding digital economy.Interest subsidy and financial supportThe scheme provides collateral-free loans, interest subsidy support, and government-backed credit guarantees. Around Rs 800 crore has been disbursed through interest subsidies and cashback incentives to beneficiaries. PM SVANidhi therefore, combines direct credit support with incentives for timely repayment and digital usage.Beyond lending, PM SVANidhi also includes skill and awareness programmes.Vendors receive training in financial literacy, digital literacy, food safety, and hygiene practices.These programmes are conducted in collaboration with agencies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).The purpose is to improve business practices and strengthen long-term sustainability for small vendors.Another major component of the scheme is the effort to connect vendors with existing welfare programmes like Swabhiman Se Samriddhi (SSS), under which beneficiaries and their families undergo socio-economic assessment to facilitate linkages with multiple central welfare schemes.The aim is to create a broader social safety net for vulnerable urban workers through integration with government support systems. The independent impact evaluations conducted in 2023 and 2025 to highlight the scheme’s outcomes.According to these evaluations nearly 95 percent of beneficiaries accessed formal institutional credit for the first time through PM SVANidhi, beneficiaries experienced an average annual income increase of around 20 percent, and the scheme improved business stability and household welfare.The scheme contributed to:improved housing stabilitybetter access to healthcareimproved nutritionbetter access to educationIt also argues that PM SVANidhi strengthened social inclusion for vulnerable urban communities.Scale of implementationThe scheme has expanded significantly since its launch in 2020. Over 1.12 crore loans have been disbursed, and total disbursement under the scheme has crossed Rs 17,800 crore.Given its expansion and reported impact, the scheme has now been extended till March 2030.A larger shift in urban governanceSmall vendors are increasingly being recognised not as marginalised workers, but as contributors to economic growth and urban resilience.The scheme’s emphasis on:institutional financedigital paymentswelfare integrationcredit expansionAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKalita Majhi’s Rise: From Domestic Worker to West Bengal Minister in a Remarkable Political JourneyCongress Slams Centre After Commercial LPG Price Hike, Calls PM Modi ‘Inflation Man’Signature Forgery Row: Abhishek Banerjee Not To Appear Before CID TodayYouth Movement Buzz In Tamil Nadu Sparks Speculation Over Annamalai’s Next Political MoveFive New Appointments Take Supreme Court Towards Record 38-Judge StrengthExplained: Why India, Nepal and China Are Clashing Over the Lipulekh Pass — And Why It Matters NowBSF-BGB Meet: Illegal Migration, Fencing And Security Under FocusDelhi Police Bust Alleged ISI-Linked Terror Module Targeting Delhi And MumbaiDK Shivakumar Alleges Bengaluru Was Unfairly Denied IPL Final Hosting Rights After RCB’s Title WinAfter PM Balen Shah’s Controversial Remarks, India Hosts Nepal Opposition Chief123PhotostoriesSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the differenceWorld Milk Day 2026: 8 most popular milk dishes that are a must-have in summerDay-Wise Lucky Colors: What to wear every day for positive energyDid Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart just end their decade-long friendship? 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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins
. NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till March 2030, expanding a programme that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors struggling with loss of income and working capital.Launched in June 2020, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was aimed at bringing urban street vendors into the formal financial system through institutional credit, digital payments and welfare linkages.The scheme was designed taking in account the small vendors selling vegetables, tea, flowers, snacks, shoes, household items and essential services on a daily basis powering the streets. These vendors form the backbone of the urban informal economy, supplying affordable goods and maintaining neighbourhood-level supply chains across cities and towns.For decades, most street vendors operated outside the formal financial system. Access to institutional credit remained limited, forcing many to depend on informal lenders charging high interest rates.What is PM SVANidhi?PM SVANidhi is a microfinance scheme designed for street vendors operating in urban areas. The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans and seeks to reduce vendors’ dependence on informal borrowing.The scheme also promotes digital payment adoption, institutional banking access, financial literacy, and social protection coverage. The larger objective is to integrate street vendors into the formal financial ecosystem while improving the sustainability of their livelihoods.Who are the beneficiaries?The scheme targets street vendors operating in cities and towns across India. These include:vegetable sellerstea vendorsroadside repair workerssmall market tradersflower sellersother self-employed urban workersUnder the scheme, more than 75 lakh beneficiaries have availed benefits out of which nearly 46 percent beneficiaries are women, and around 70 percent beneficiaries belong to marginalised communities.How the scheme worksPM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working capital loans in phases. The loans are offered with guarantee support and are linked to repayment performance.The scheme provides loans in three stages:Rs 10,000Rs 20,000Rs 50,000Vendors who repay earlier loans on time become eligible for higher loan amounts in later stages. The model is intended to gradually improve vendors’ creditworthiness and financial stability.Nearly 100 per cent of borrowers who completed earlier loans became eligible for additional institutional loans, indicating expansion in formal credit access.Digital payment incentivesOne of the central components of PM SVANidhi is digital financial integration.To encourage vendors to adopt digital payments and financial literacy, the scheme offers cashback incentives for digital transactions. Beneficiaries can receive incentives of up to Rs 1,600 for digital transactions and so far more than 5.5 million beneficiaries have been digitally connected under the scheme carrying out digital transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore.The scheme further includes a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card facility. Vendors who successfully complete the second-stage loan process become eligible for a RuPay credit card with a limit of up to Rs 30,000.This aspect of the scheme is designed to bring small informal businesses into India’s expanding digital economy.Interest subsidy and financial supportThe scheme provides collateral-free loans, interest subsidy support, and government-backed credit guarantees. Around Rs 800 crore has been disbursed through interest subsidies and cashback incentives to beneficiaries. PM SVANidhi therefore, combines direct credit support with incentives for timely repayment and digital usage.Beyond lending, PM SVANidhi also includes skill and awareness programmes.Vendors receive training in financial literacy, digital literacy, food safety, and hygiene practices.These programmes are conducted in collaboration with agencies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).The purpose is to improve business practices and strengthen long-term sustainability for small vendors.Another major component of the scheme is the effort to connect vendors with existing welfare programmes like Swabhiman Se Samriddhi (SSS), under which beneficiaries and their families undergo socio-economic assessment to facilitate linkages with multiple central welfare schemes.The aim is to create a broader social safety net for vulnerable urban workers through integration with government support systems. The independent impact evaluations conducted in 2023 and 2025 to highlight the scheme’s outcomes.According to these evaluations nearly 95 percent of beneficiaries accessed formal institutional credit for the first time through PM SVANidhi, beneficiaries experienced an average annual income increase of around 20 percent, and the scheme improved business stability and household welfare.The scheme contributed to:improved housing stabilitybetter access to healthcareimproved nutritionbetter access to educationIt also argues that PM SVANidhi strengthened social inclusion for vulnerable urban communities.Scale of implementationThe scheme has expanded significantly since its launch in 2020. Over 1.12 crore loans have been disbursed, and total disbursement under the scheme has crossed Rs 17,800 crore.Given its expansion and reported impact, the scheme has now been extended till March 2030.A larger shift in urban governanceSmall vendors are increasingly being recognised not as marginalised workers, but as contributors to economic growth and urban resilience.The scheme’s emphasis on:institutional financedigital paymentswelfare integrationcredit expansionAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKalita Majhi’s Rise: From Domestic Worker to West Bengal Minister in a Remarkable Political JourneyCongress Slams Centre After Commercial LPG Price Hike, Calls PM Modi ‘Inflation Man’Signature Forgery Row: Abhishek Banerjee Not To Appear Before CID TodayYouth Movement Buzz In Tamil Nadu Sparks Speculation Over Annamalai’s Next Political MoveFive New Appointments Take Supreme Court Towards Record 38-Judge StrengthExplained: Why India, Nepal and China Are Clashing Over the Lipulekh Pass — And Why It Matters NowBSF-BGB Meet: Illegal Migration, Fencing And Security Under FocusDelhi Police Bust Alleged ISI-Linked Terror Module Targeting Delhi And MumbaiDK Shivakumar Alleges Bengaluru Was Unfairly Denied IPL Final Hosting Rights After RCB’s Title WinAfter PM Balen Shah’s Controversial Remarks, India Hosts Nepal Opposition Chief123PhotostoriesSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the differenceWorld Milk Day 2026: 8 most popular milk dishes that are a must-have in summerDay-Wise Lucky Colors: What to wear every day for positive energyDid Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart just end their decade-long friendship? Here’s the truth5 stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wildNew OTT releases this week (June 1-5): From Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Maa Behen’, Karisma Kapoor’s ‘Brown’, to Euphoria’ Season 3 finale and more5 Indian festivals that celebrate women, menstruation, and the power of womanhoodGreen apple vs red apple: Which one is better for naturally glowing skin?Desi Bling star Satish Sanpal’s Rs 100 Crore Burj Khalifa mansion: Royal dining, jaw-dropping views and unmatched luxuryWhere to place your dustbin at home to reduce odors, germs, and household clutter123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarWest Bengal CabinetHormuz crisisRussia Fuel Export BanDonald TrumpNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak


PM SVANidhi: How India’s street vendors are being brought into the formal economy

NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till March 2030, expanding a programme that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors struggling with loss of income and working capital.Launched in June 2020, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was aimed at bringing urban street vendors into the formal financial system through institutional credit, digital payments and welfare linkages.The scheme was designed taking in account the small vendors selling vegetables, tea, flowers, snacks, shoes, household items and essential services on a daily basis powering the streets. These vendors form the backbone of the urban informal economy, supplying affordable goods and maintaining neighbourhood-level supply chains across cities and towns.For decades, most street vendors operated outside the formal financial system. Access to institutional credit remained limited, forcing many to depend on informal lenders charging high interest rates.

What is PM SVANidhi?

PM SVANidhi is a microfinance scheme designed for street vendors operating in urban areas. The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans and seeks to reduce vendors’ dependence on informal borrowing.The scheme also promotes digital payment adoption, institutional banking access, financial literacy, and social protection coverage. The larger objective is to integrate street vendors into the formal financial ecosystem while improving the sustainability of their livelihoods.

Who are the beneficiaries?

The scheme targets street vendors operating in cities and towns across India. These include:

  • vegetable sellers
  • tea vendors
  • roadside repair workers
  • small market traders
  • flower sellers
  • other self-employed urban workers

Under the scheme, more than 75 lakh beneficiaries have availed benefits out of which nearly 46 percent beneficiaries are women, and around 70 percent beneficiaries belong to marginalised communities.

How the scheme works

PM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working capital loans in phases. The loans are offered with guarantee support and are linked to repayment performance.The scheme provides loans in three stages:

  1. Rs 10,000
  2. Rs 20,000
  3. Rs 50,000

Vendors who repay earlier loans on time become eligible for higher loan amounts in later stages. The model is intended to gradually improve vendors’ creditworthiness and financial stability.Nearly 100 per cent of borrowers who completed earlier loans became eligible for additional institutional loans, indicating expansion in formal credit access.

Digital payment incentives

One of the central components of PM SVANidhi is digital financial integration.To encourage vendors to adopt digital payments and financial literacy, the scheme offers cashback incentives for digital transactions. Beneficiaries can receive incentives of up to Rs 1,600 for digital transactions and so far more than 5.5 million beneficiaries have been digitally connected under the scheme carrying out digital transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore.The scheme further includes a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card facility. Vendors who successfully complete the second-stage loan process become eligible for a RuPay credit card with a limit of up to Rs 30,000.This aspect of the scheme is designed to bring small informal businesses into India’s expanding digital economy.

Interest subsidy and financial support

The scheme provides collateral-free loans, interest subsidy support, and government-backed credit guarantees. Around Rs 800 crore has been disbursed through interest subsidies and cashback incentives to beneficiaries. PM SVANidhi therefore, combines direct credit support with incentives for timely repayment and digital usage.Beyond lending, PM SVANidhi also includes skill and awareness programmes.Vendors receive training in financial literacy, digital literacy, food safety, and hygiene practices.These programmes are conducted in collaboration with agencies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).The purpose is to improve business practices and strengthen long-term sustainability for small vendors.Another major component of the scheme is the effort to connect vendors with existing welfare programmes like Swabhiman Se Samriddhi (SSS), under which beneficiaries and their families undergo socio-economic assessment to facilitate linkages with multiple central welfare schemes.The aim is to create a broader social safety net for vulnerable urban workers through integration with government support systems. The independent impact evaluations conducted in 2023 and 2025 to highlight the scheme’s outcomes.According to these evaluations nearly 95 percent of beneficiaries accessed formal institutional credit for the first time through PM SVANidhi, beneficiaries experienced an average annual income increase of around 20 percent, and the scheme improved business stability and household welfare.The scheme contributed to:

  • improved housing stability
  • better access to healthcare
  • improved nutrition
  • better access to education

It also argues that PM SVANidhi strengthened social inclusion for vulnerable urban communities.

Scale of implementation

The scheme has expanded significantly since its launch in 2020. Over 1.12 crore loans have been disbursed, and total disbursement under the scheme has crossed Rs 17,800 crore.Given its expansion and reported impact, the scheme has now been extended till March 2030.A larger shift in urban governanceSmall vendors are increasingly being recognised not as marginalised workers, but as contributors to economic growth and urban resilience.The scheme’s emphasis on:

  • institutional finance
  • digital payments
  • welfare integration
  • credit expansion



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NEW DELHI: NTA on Tuesday scrambled to patch up vulnerabilities in its NEETUG portal which were highlighted by a teen “cyber security researcher”, who warned that the chink could potentially be exploited to hack sensitive information.There was a weakness that had briefly affected the website but it has since been fixed, NTA sources told TOI on a day a barrage of cyber attacks was unleashed on CBSE’s website.Rylen Anil, identifying himself as a 16 year-old “cyber security researcher”, sounded the warning on X. Interestingly, he is followed by the NTA administration.The agency, reeling under criticism over the paper leak, moved fast to plug the crack which could have po-tentially helped outsiders access details linked to examination observers, centre coordinators and test centres — including names, mobile numbers and email addresses. Sources, in the agency acknowledged the repair job, but stopped short of endorsing Anil’s statement about the damage it could have caused.Anil alleged that the vul-nerabilities may have enabled actions such as exporting internal records, generating appointment letters, modifying observer data, uploading templates and managing administrative mappings linked to the examination process, triggering concern among students, parents and cybersecurity observers.As screenshots and allegations circulated online, several users reported that the re-examination portal link had temporarily stopped working and was displaying a “404 Not Found” message. The development further fuelled speculation online regarding possible backend intervention or emergency technical changes.In the evening, NTA officials maintained necessary corrective measures were implemented and the portal was functioning normally.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSaying ‘I Love Pakistan’ Is Okay For You?: Pawan Kalyan Slams Congress, Seeks Rahul’s ResponseSonam Wangchuk To Join Cockroach Janata Party’s Delhi Protest If Education Minister Doesn’t ResignWhere Are TMC Leaders? Only A Few MLAs, MPs Join Mamata As She Leads Kolkata DharnaNeighbourhood First 2.0? India Deepens Nepal-Myanmar Outreach As Amit Shah Reviews Border SecurityIndia Rejects EU-Pak Statement After J&K Reference Sparks Diplomatic Controversy1.5 Million Hits In 2 Minutes: CBSE’s Class 12 Re-Evaluation Portal Faces CyberattackCBSE Top Brass Transferred As Centre Orders Probe Into On-Screen Marking Tender Controversy’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal123PhotostoriesWhy Anushka Sharma’s checkered kurta is the only summer fashion inspiration you need5 national parks in the USA perfect for wildlife lovers and the best time to visit themKatrina Kaif’s ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ outfit is trending again after the revamped version starring Disha Patani went viral for all the wrong reasonsThese Zodiac Signs Are Destined for a Powerful ComebackRags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.Tennis legend Serena Williams’ million Florida mansion is a luxury retreat with a secret karaoke room, infinity pool but no tennis courtSetting up your living room? The 3-5-7 rule interior designers don’t want you to knowHow to remove a suntan naturally? Try these dal face packs for clear, glowing skin8 ‘just Indian girl things’ that sound strange but make complete sense at home6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and why123Hot PicksWho was Henry NowakKarishma VijayChloe KimSuryakumar YadavBalen ShahJustin GaethjeJacob BethellTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

NEW DELHI: NTA on Tuesday scrambled to patch up vulnerabilities in its NEETUG portal which were highlighted by a teen “cyber security researcher”, who warned that the chink could potentially be exploited to hack sensitive information.There was a weakness that had briefly affected the website but it has since been fixed, NTA sources told TOI on a day a barrage of cyber attacks was unleashed on CBSE’s website.Rylen Anil, identifying himself as a 16 year-old “cyber security researcher”, sounded the warning on X. Interestingly, he is followed by the NTA administration.The agency, reeling under criticism over the paper leak, moved fast to plug the crack which could have po-tentially helped outsiders access details linked to examination observers, centre coordinators and test centres — including names, mobile numbers and email addresses. Sources, in the agency acknowledged the repair job, but stopped short of endorsing Anil’s statement about the damage it could have caused.Anil alleged that the vul-nerabilities may have enabled actions such as exporting internal records, generating appointment letters, modifying observer data, uploading templates and managing administrative mappings linked to the examination process, triggering concern among students, parents and cybersecurity observers.As screenshots and allegations circulated online, several users reported that the re-examination portal link had temporarily stopped working and was displaying a “404 Not Found” message. The development further fuelled speculation online regarding possible backend intervention or emergency technical changes.In the evening, NTA officials maintained necessary corrective measures were implemented and the portal was functioning normally.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSaying ‘I Love Pakistan’ Is Okay For You?: Pawan Kalyan Slams Congress, Seeks Rahul’s ResponseSonam Wangchuk To Join Cockroach Janata Party’s Delhi Protest If Education Minister Doesn’t ResignWhere Are TMC Leaders? Only A Few MLAs, MPs Join Mamata As She Leads Kolkata DharnaNeighbourhood First 2.0? India Deepens Nepal-Myanmar Outreach As Amit Shah Reviews Border SecurityIndia Rejects EU-Pak Statement After J&K Reference Sparks Diplomatic Controversy1.5 Million Hits In 2 Minutes: CBSE’s Class 12 Re-Evaluation Portal Faces CyberattackCBSE Top Brass Transferred As Centre Orders Probe Into On-Screen Marking Tender Controversy’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal123PhotostoriesWhy Anushka Sharma’s checkered kurta is the only summer fashion inspiration you need5 national parks in the USA perfect for wildlife lovers and the best time to visit themKatrina Kaif’s ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ outfit is trending again after the revamped version starring Disha Patani went viral for all the wrong reasonsThese Zodiac Signs Are Destined for a Powerful ComebackRags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.Tennis legend Serena Williams’ $10 million Florida mansion is a luxury retreat with a secret karaoke room, infinity pool but no tennis courtSetting up your living room? The 3-5-7 rule interior designers don’t want you to knowHow to remove a suntan naturally? Try these dal face packs for clear, glowing skin8 ‘just Indian girl things’ that sound strange but make complete sense at home6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and why123Hot PicksWho was Henry NowakKarishma VijayChloe KimSuryakumar YadavBalen ShahJustin GaethjeJacob BethellTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: The tendering process behind CBSE’s massive on-screen marking (OSM) project has come under sharper scrutiny after procurement records showed that Hyderabad-based Coempt Eduteck Pvt Ltd narrowly edged past Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the technical evaluation before securing a decisive advantage through a sharply lower financial bid.The scoring pattern has triggered questions among some procurement observers over whether the tender design disproportionately benefited firms with narrowly defined prior examination-scanning experience over companies with larger technology and systems integration capabilities.The contract involved scanning and digital evaluation of around 9.9 million Class XII answer books under CBSE’s fully digitised evaluation system introduced this year.Tender documents reviewed by TOI show Coempt secured 91 out of 100 marks in the technical evaluation, only marginally ahead of TCS, wh-ich scored 89. The two firms were closely matched across several parameters, includ-ing certifications, manpower strength, security compliance, disaster recovery systems and solution architecture.The key difference emerged in the “past experience” category, linked specifically to scanning and distribution of subjective answer scripts for digital evaluation.According to the technical evaluation sheet, Coempt received full marks while TCS scored zero in that category despite securing higher marks in the technical presentation and live demonstration segment.Coempt also secured full marks for experience in handling large-scale digital evaluation projects and managing multiple evaluation centres simultaneously. TCS, however, got maximum marks under the turnover criterion because of its significantly larger financial scale and operational capacity.The financial bids revealed an even wider gap.According to bid documents, Coempt quoted rates ranging between approximately Rs 24.8 and Rs 25.7 per answer booklet depending on processing volume, while TCS quoted between Rs 53 and Rs 65 per booklet across similar categories.The evaluated bid value worked out to roughly Rs 384.6 crore for Coempt compared to nearly Rs 951.3 crore for TCS — a difference of around Rs 566 crore.Under the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) model adopted by CBSE, technical scores carried 70% weightage while financial bids accounted for 30%. “A bidder with a slight technical edge and a substantially lower quote gains a major advantage once weighted scores are combined,” a former central govt procurement official said.The procurement process has also drawn attention because CBSE did not finalise a qualified vendor in two earlier tender rounds before modifying certain technical conditions in a later request for proposal issued in Aug 2025.Officials, however, rejected suggestions that Coempt was favoured.CBSE sources maintained that the evaluation was conducted strictly according to the criteria laid down in the tender document and under General Financial Rules governing public procurement. Officials argued that the board had limited discretion in the technical round and Coempt fulfilled all eligibility requirements prescribed in the bid conditions.“The company that met the technical requirements and secured the highest combined QCBS score was selected in accordance with QCBS provisions,” an official said.The tender has acquired wider significance amid growing scrutiny of CBSE’s digital evaluation ecosystem and questions over the pace at which the nationwide OSM system was rolled out for the 2026 board examinations.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSaying ‘I Love Pakistan’ Is Okay For You?: Pawan Kalyan Slams Congress, Seeks Rahul’s ResponseSonam Wangchuk To Join Cockroach Janata Party’s Delhi Protest If Education Minister Doesn’t ResignWhere Are TMC Leaders? Only A Few MLAs, MPs Join Mamata As She Leads Kolkata DharnaNeighbourhood First 2.0? India Deepens Nepal-Myanmar Outreach As Amit Shah Reviews Border SecurityIndia Rejects EU-Pak Statement After J&K Reference Sparks Diplomatic Controversy1.5 Million Hits In 2 Minutes: CBSE’s Class 12 Re-Evaluation Portal Faces CyberattackCBSE Top Brass Transferred As Centre Orders Probe Into On-Screen Marking Tender Controversy’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal123Photostories5 national parks in the USA perfect for wildlife lovers and the best time to visit themKatrina Kaif’s ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ outfit is trending again after the revamped version starring Disha Patani went viral for all the wrong reasonsThese Zodiac Signs Are Destined for a Powerful ComebackRags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.Tennis legend Serena Williams’ million Florida mansion is a luxury retreat with a secret karaoke room, infinity pool but no tennis courtSetting up your living room? The 3-5-7 rule interior designers don’t want you to knowHow to remove a suntan naturally? Try these dal face packs for clear, glowing skin8 ‘just Indian girl things’ that sound strange but make complete sense at home6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and whyMeet Calmaria Incredibilis: The two-headed snake from China that fooled scientists for years until DNA proved it!123Hot PicksWho was Henry NowakKarishma VijayChloe KimSuryakumar YadavBalen ShahJustin GaethjeJacob BethellTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

NEW DELHI: The tendering process behind CBSE’s massive on-screen marking (OSM) project has come under sharper scrutiny after procurement records showed that Hyderabad-based Coempt Eduteck Pvt Ltd narrowly edged past Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the technical evaluation before securing a decisive advantage through a sharply lower financial bid.The scoring pattern has triggered questions among some procurement observers over whether the tender design disproportionately benefited firms with narrowly defined prior examination-scanning experience over companies with larger technology and systems integration capabilities.The contract involved scanning and digital evaluation of around 9.9 million Class XII answer books under CBSE’s fully digitised evaluation system introduced this year.Tender documents reviewed by TOI show Coempt secured 91 out of 100 marks in the technical evaluation, only marginally ahead of TCS, wh-ich scored 89. The two firms were closely matched across several parameters, includ-ing certifications, manpower strength, security compliance, disaster recovery systems and solution architecture.The key difference emerged in the “past experience” category, linked specifically to scanning and distribution of subjective answer scripts for digital evaluation.According to the technical evaluation sheet, Coempt received full marks while TCS scored zero in that category despite securing higher marks in the technical presentation and live demonstration segment.Coempt also secured full marks for experience in handling large-scale digital evaluation projects and managing multiple evaluation centres simultaneously. TCS, however, got maximum marks under the turnover criterion because of its significantly larger financial scale and operational capacity.The financial bids revealed an even wider gap.According to bid documents, Coempt quoted rates ranging between approximately Rs 24.8 and Rs 25.7 per answer booklet depending on processing volume, while TCS quoted between Rs 53 and Rs 65 per booklet across similar categories.The evaluated bid value worked out to roughly Rs 384.6 crore for Coempt compared to nearly Rs 951.3 crore for TCS — a difference of around Rs 566 crore.Under the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) model adopted by CBSE, technical scores carried 70% weightage while financial bids accounted for 30%. “A bidder with a slight technical edge and a substantially lower quote gains a major advantage once weighted scores are combined,” a former central govt procurement official said.The procurement process has also drawn attention because CBSE did not finalise a qualified vendor in two earlier tender rounds before modifying certain technical conditions in a later request for proposal issued in Aug 2025.Officials, however, rejected suggestions that Coempt was favoured.CBSE sources maintained that the evaluation was conducted strictly according to the criteria laid down in the tender document and under General Financial Rules governing public procurement. Officials argued that the board had limited discretion in the technical round and Coempt fulfilled all eligibility requirements prescribed in the bid conditions.“The company that met the technical requirements and secured the highest combined QCBS score was selected in accordance with QCBS provisions,” an official said.The tender has acquired wider significance amid growing scrutiny of CBSE’s digital evaluation ecosystem and questions over the pace at which the nationwide OSM system was rolled out for the 2026 board examinations.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSaying ‘I Love Pakistan’ Is Okay For You?: Pawan Kalyan Slams Congress, Seeks Rahul’s ResponseSonam Wangchuk To Join Cockroach Janata Party’s Delhi Protest If Education Minister Doesn’t ResignWhere Are TMC Leaders? Only A Few MLAs, MPs Join Mamata As She Leads Kolkata DharnaNeighbourhood First 2.0? India Deepens Nepal-Myanmar Outreach As Amit Shah Reviews Border SecurityIndia Rejects EU-Pak Statement After J&K Reference Sparks Diplomatic Controversy1.5 Million Hits In 2 Minutes: CBSE’s Class 12 Re-Evaluation Portal Faces CyberattackCBSE Top Brass Transferred As Centre Orders Probe Into On-Screen Marking Tender Controversy’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal123Photostories5 national parks in the USA perfect for wildlife lovers and the best time to visit themKatrina Kaif’s ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ outfit is trending again after the revamped version starring Disha Patani went viral for all the wrong reasonsThese Zodiac Signs Are Destined for a Powerful ComebackRags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.Tennis legend Serena Williams’ $10 million Florida mansion is a luxury retreat with a secret karaoke room, infinity pool but no tennis courtSetting up your living room? The 3-5-7 rule interior designers don’t want you to knowHow to remove a suntan naturally? Try these dal face packs for clear, glowing skin8 ‘just Indian girl things’ that sound strange but make complete sense at home6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and whyMeet Calmaria Incredibilis: The two-headed snake from China that fooled scientists for years until DNA proved it!123Hot PicksWho was Henry NowakKarishma VijayChloe KimSuryakumar YadavBalen ShahJustin GaethjeJacob BethellTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

Vamsikrishna 0