Muslim hawkers are turning wary of availing loans under the Prime Minister’s scheme for a “self-reliant India”, unwilling to part with extensive personal information during enrolment fearing that it could be used against them if a national register of citizens is drawn up.

From June 9, Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) began the enrolment process by finalising documentation of hawkers so that they can be linked to banks for availing of a Rs 10,000 subsidised loan.

So far, out of 5,901 hawkers recognised by RMC, only 1,100 have enrolled. Of these, papers of 490 hawkers have been verified for loans that are expected to be disbursed from next month, sources in the civic body said.

Most hawkers revealed they were uncomfortable with the extent of personal information being sought to complete the enrolment process that involves exhaustive documentation.

An applicant under Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi, is mandated to furnish details, including photocopies wherever applicable, of Aadhaar card, PAN/voter I-cards, religion, caste certificate, etc, of all family members. After RMC and banks verify these, he/she will qualify for a loan.

Md Salim, a vendor at Ranchi’s Main Road said, “I had gone to apply at an RMC camp a week back but backed out after learning about the extensive paperwork. Why would I furnish my entire family’s Aadhaar details?”

Md Khalid, a fruit seller at Kutchery, agreed. “Many are saying that this could be the government’s plan to get hold of everyone’s details. Otherwise, banks hardly ask for so many details in case of a personal loan. I will opt for the loan if I need money later. Right now, I don’t want to enrol for this scheme,” he said.

Rakesh Poddar, a vendor at Main Road who deals in bags, also questioned the need for such extensive documentation for such a small loan. “The lockdown has ruined my earnings but I don’t think taking a Rs 10,000 loan is going to help me anyway in my business. The amount is too little and the process too lengthy.”

RMC city manager Niraj Kumar, who is co-ordinating the enrolment camps, conceded that the response was not encouraging.

“Many vendors are complaining about lengthy paperwork. Few, backed by some political outfits, are also claiming that it is an exercise with NRC in mind. This claim is totally false. We are only following the prescribed procedures laid for this scheme,” he said.

Kumar said banks had their own reason for seeking family details of applicants. “What if any other family member had defaulted on an earlier loan or was involved in some dubious activity?” he said.

The RMC manager clarified the loan scheme was only for those who needed money. “The government is not forcing anyone to take the loan,” he said.

RMC would be setting up camps in all 53 wards of the city in phases, he said. “The idea of the camp will be to dispel myths and inform vendors who are in dire need of money,” Kumar said.