Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of his vision for India’s development, with a particular focus on enhancing the role of women in rural areas. An official statement outlines the significant achievements under this vision, highlighting the success of the “Mission Mangalam” initiative, which supports Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Gujarat.
The statement noted, “The aim is to enhance their role in the national economy and foster self-reliance. The ‘Mission Mangalam’ initiative, which supports Women’s Self-Help Groups in Gujarat, has achieved remarkable success under this vision. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, self-help groups have been significantly strengthened in the state.”
On July 31, Chief Minister Patel will participate in the ‘Sakhi Samvad Programme’ in Gandhinagar, where he will congratulate and interact with women from these self-reliant SHGs. The transformative impact of this initiative on rural women in Gujarat has become a source of inspiration. In the fiscal year 2021-22, 8,500 women collected 5,000 metric tonnes of limbodi in just three months, generating an impressive income of Rs 4 crore.
The statement explained, “Under the Neem Project by GNFC, limbodi is utilized for neem-coated urea, medicines, neem oil, and other valuable products. SHGs of Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) are involved in collecting limbodi and generating income through its sale. During the peak ripening season of limbodi, from May to July 2021, 8,500 women from self-help groups across 15 districts collected the product and earned an impressive Rs 4 crore.”
Since its inception in 2010, Mission Mangalam has empowered over 3.13 lakh women across 28 districts of Gujarat with professional training. This initiative has significantly boosted their confidence, leading many to start their own businesses and improve their family’s financial stability.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that more than 27 lakh families in Gujarat are linked with SHGs. Among them, over 23 lakh women have benefited from life insurance and health security through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Microfinance has also played a crucial role, with loans amounting to Rs 4,338 crore provided to 118,000 SHGs across the state for various activities. The formation of new SHGs and the reactivation of existing ones have contributed to a total of 269,507 active Self-Help Groups in Gujarat.
To address malnutrition and enhance income opportunities, the promotion of Agri-Nutri Gardens is encouraged. SHGs receive high-quality seeds to cultivate these gardens, benefiting 726,495 households to date. Moreover, annual fairs such as Saras Mela, Regional Fairs, Rakhi Mela, and Navratri Fairs provide valuable market platforms for women to sell their products, further supporting their livelihoods.
(With ANI Inputs)
Also Read: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Opposes Teesta Water Treaty
