Gandhinagar, Nov 17 (NationPress) The flagship initiative of the Gujarat government, ‘Mission Mangalam’, is proving to be a significant force for women’s economic empowerment and grassroots entrepreneurship in the state.

A notable achievement of this program is the women-operated ‘Mangalam Canteen’ located at Gandhinagar Metro Station, Sector-1, which exemplifies how both rural and urban women are seizing opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods through this initiative.

The primary goal of Mission Mangalam is to fortify self-help groups (SHGs) by connecting them with banks, facilitating access to credit, and providing essential livelihood training. The positive outcomes are evident in the lives of numerous women across Gujarat, including Pushpa Parmar from Dehgam taluka and Vaishali Rathod from Kalol, whose stories embody the aspirations of “Atmanirbhar Gujarat” and the ethos of “Har Ghar Swadeshi.”

Pushpa, a participant in the ‘Jai Chamunda’ Sakhi Mandal formed within the scope of Mission Mangalam, accessed loans amounting to Rs 1 lakh initially, followed by Rs 4 lakh after being officially linked to a bank through the initiative.

With the support of the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) and the state government, Pushpa and Vaishali took a significant step toward self-sufficiency by establishing a canteen at the Gandhinagar Metro Station.

Today, the Mangalam Canteen stands as a beacon of women-led entrepreneurship. It generates an annual income exceeding Rs 6 lakh, providing financial stability and enhanced confidence to the women running it. Their families have also benefited from this reliable source of income, gaining both stability and dignity.

Operating from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., the canteen offers a variety of freshly prepared snacks, including thepla, aloo paratha, poha, Maggi, samosa, dhokla, along with tea and coffee. Importantly, all items are prepared in-house using pure groundnut oil, ensuring both quality and hygiene.

Regular commuters, office workers, and visitors have become loyal patrons, attracted by the homely flavors and affordable prices. The broader impact of Mission Mangalam is similarly profound.

By linking women’s groups with financial institutions and providing revolving funds, the initiative has empowered millions of Sakhi Mandals to obtain bank loans totaling thousands of crores, enabling them to launch micro-enterprises and independently support their families.

Mission Mangalam encapsulates a fundamental truth: when policies prioritize women at the base of the economic pyramid and are reinforced by ongoing support, the resulting change resonates throughout society.