Ahmedabad, Nov 28 (NationPress) The rural development initiative in Gujarat is bringing about a significant change in the lives of women throughout the state. With over 1,700 members from Sakhi Mandals, these women are now earning between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 monthly, thanks to the rapidly growing Mangalam Canteen network, an official confirmed on Friday.

These canteens, managed by women's self-help groups, are currently in operation at more than 200 locations, including government offices, educational institutions, hostels, hospitals, primary health centers, and NGOs.

With the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Rural Development Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya, the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) is pivotal in enhancing women's self-sufficiency across various districts.

In the fiscal year 2024-25, the state launched 50 new canteens, reinforcing the motto of "Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi" and facilitating dignified employment opportunities for rural women.

To further amplify this initiative, the government introduced a "One District, One Canteen" campaign, which will establish 30 new Mangalam Canteens under a cohesive branding and design strategy. Out of these, 27 are already operational, with additional units being set up in police departments, R&B offices, municipal buildings, and other government institutions.

In several villages, women have been providing catering services during events and community gatherings. The GLPC identifies these skilled individuals, offers structured training, and provides guidance on hygiene, commercial management, and food safety standards. Ongoing capacity-building initiatives assist them in transitioning from informal catering to managing fully operational canteens.

The Mangalam brand was first introduced in 2024 at the Gandhinagar Police Bhavan, where the inaugural model canteen was established at the Director General’s Office.

Run solely by six members of the Sakhi Mandal, this initiative quickly proved its effectiveness, leading to further canteens at the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner's Office and the Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Office.

These canteens, boasting better infrastructure and staffed by trained women, now offer affordable, nutritious meals to police personnel while adhering to strict cleanliness and food safety standards.

The growing network of Mangalam Canteens stands as a compelling illustration of how rural women's collectives can act as engines of economic development, improving household incomes, enhancing self-respect, and contributing to Gujarat’s broader development objectives.