What New Initiative is the Gujarat Government Launching for 50,000 Women?
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Synopsis
The Gujarat government has unveiled a transformative initiative to empower 50,000 women from marginalised households. This program, featuring a unique digital wallet system, aims to boost economic independence and provide essential support for women entrepreneurs. By investing in education and health, the scheme positions itself as a key player in enhancing rural women's livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- The Gujarat government launched a scheme to support 50,000 women from marginalised households.
- Features a unique digital wallet system for secure fund transfer.
- Aims to boost economic empowerment and self-reliance among women.
- By year-end, 28,000 beneficiaries are expected.
- Part of broader initiatives promoting women's education and health.
Gandhinagar, July 3 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has introduced a focused initiative aimed at aiding 50,000 women from families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards across 13 aspirational talukas and two aspirational districts.
The scheme, officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 8, 2025, is designed to enhance self-sufficiency and economic involvement among women through direct digital solutions.
Central to this initiative is a pioneering 'Ring-Fencing Digital Wallet Transfer' system, created by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd. (GLPC) under the state’s Rural Development Department as part of the G-SAFAL scheme.
This system ensures financial aid is directly deposited into individual digital wallets, providing a secure way for funds to be utilized exclusively for sanctioned livelihood activities.
In the initial phase, 674 women have already received assistance via digital wallets, with the system commended for its transparency, security, and targeted functionality.
By the end of the year, officials anticipate the number of beneficiaries to grow to 28,000, establishing the scheme as a crucial element for rural women's economic empowerment in Gujarat.
The Gujarat government has implemented a variety of impactful schemes aimed at supporting women in areas such as education, economic empowerment, health, and safety.
The Sakhi Sahas Yojana, with a budget of Rs 100 crore, provides assistance to women entrepreneurs through equipment support, loan guarantees, and capacity-building initiatives, along with plans for working-women hostels in major urban areas.
The Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana offers interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh for eligible women to establish or expand micro-enterprises.
Under the PURNA scheme, adolescent girls aged 15–18 years receive essential nutrition, healthcare, life-skills training, and micronutrient supplements.
The state also enhances women's social security through scholarships, pensions, and maternal health initiatives like Namo Shri, which disbursed Rs 222 crore to 400,000 mothers in the previous year, significantly lowering maternal mortality rates.
The Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana has empowered over 10 lakh women through interest-free loans to enhance micro-enterprises, while the Sakhi Sahas Yojana assists aspiring women entrepreneurs with financial support, skill development, and market access.
For adolescent girls, the PURNA (Prevention of Under-Nutrition and Reduction of Nutritional Anaemia) scheme guarantees iron supplements, health education, and life-skills training.
Point of View
The launch of this initiative by the Gujarat government signifies a crucial step towards enhancing women's roles in the economy. By focusing on marginalized households, the scheme not only aims to provide direct financial support but also fosters a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. The involvement of technology through digital wallets showcases a modern approach to social welfare, ensuring transparency and security.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the new Gujarat scheme?
The objective is to empower 50,000 women from marginalised households by providing direct financial assistance through a digital wallet system, promoting self-reliance and economic participation.
How does the digital wallet system work?
The system transfers financial aid directly into individual digital wallets, ensuring that funds are securely used solely for approved livelihood activities.
Who can benefit from this scheme?
Women from families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards across selected aspirational talukas and districts are eligible.
What other initiatives support women in Gujarat?
Gujarat has several initiatives like the Sakhi Sahas Yojana and Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana that focus on education, entrepreneurship, and health for women.
What impact is expected from this initiative?
The initiative is expected to significantly enhance economic empowerment among rural women, with a target of reaching 28,000 beneficiaries by the end of the year.
