Loans worth Rs4,338 Crore Provided to Over 1 Lakh SHGs in Gujarat
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, July 29, 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made women empowerment a central pillar of his vision for India’s advancement, with a special emphasis on uplifting women in rural areas. 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 the vision. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been significantly strengthened in the state.
On July 31, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel will join the 'Sakhi Samvad Program' in Gandhinagar congratulating and interacting with the women from these self-reliant Self-Help Groups(SHGs). The transformational story of women from the villages of Gujarat has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. In 2021-22, for example, 8,500 women from Gujarat collected 5,000 metric tons of limbodi in just three months, generating a remarkable income of Rs4 crores.
Under the Neem Project by GNFC, limbodi is utilized for neem-coated urea, medicines, neem oil, and other valuable products. Women Self-help Groups (SHGs) of Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) are engaged in collecting limbodi and generating income through its sale. During the year 2021-22, between May and July— the peak ripening season of limbodi—8,500 women from self-help groups across 15 districts in the state gathered the product and collectively earned an impressive Rs4 crore.
Over 3.13 Lakh Women Given Training for Self-Reliance
Since its launch in 2010, Mission Mangalam has empowered over 3.13 lakh women across 28 districts of Gujarat with professional training. This initiative has greatly enhanced their confidence, inspiring many to launch their own businesses and improve their family’s financial prospects.
Over 23 Lakh Women Received Insurance Coverage
Over 27 lakh families in Gujarat are linked with about 2.79 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Among them, over 23 lakh women have gained the benefits of life insurance and health security through the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Over 1 lakh Groups Receive Rs4338 Crore in Loans
Microfinance has facilitated loans of Rs4338 crore to 118,000 SHGs across the state for various activities. Additionally, 113,287 new SHGs have been formed, and 156,214 groups have been reactivated. Gujarat now proudly supports a total of 269,507 active Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Over 7 lakh Households Cultivate Nutri Gardens; Women Earn Over Rs10 Crore Annually From Fairs
To tackle malnutrition and enhance income opportunities for women, the promotion of Agri-Nutri Gardens is actively encouraged. Self-help Groups (SHGs) receive high-quality seeds to cultivate these gardens. To date, 726,495 households have benefited under this initiative. Besides, annual fairs such as Saras Mela, Regional Fairs, Rakhi Mela, and Navratri Fairs offer women valuable market platforms to sell their products, thereby supporting their livelihoods.
