Gujarat Government has launched two key schemes—G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income)—to empower rural women and underprivileged families by providing financial assistance, skill training, and entrepreneurial support.
About G-MAITRI
- Provides financial assistance and mentorship to startups working towards improving rural livelihoods.
- Aims to create a conducive ecosystem for rural entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.
About G-SAFAL
- Focuses on financial inclusion and entrepreneurial training for Self-Help Group (SHG) women from Antyodaya families (poorest households).
- Targets two Aspirational districts and thirteen Aspirational Blocks in Gujarat.
- Implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (GLPC) under the Rural Development Department.
- Seeks to break the cycle of extreme poverty by equipping beneficiaries with livelihood skills, financial resources, and social empowerment.
Four Key Pillars of G-SAFAL
Social Security: Facilitates access to government welfare schemes to strengthen social safety nets.
Livelihood Creation: Provides grants to underprivileged families for setting up multiple income sources and wealth generation.
Financial Inclusion: Connects beneficiaries to banks, credit facilities, savings programs, and insurance services.
Social Development & Empowerment: Enhances life skills through training programs and promotes active participation in SHGs.
Implementation & Coverage
- Covers 10 districts in Gujarat, focusing on poorest families among eligible cardholders.
- Each beneficiary family will receive Rs. 80,000 as a grant, along with training and mentorship to develop additional income sources.
- Field coaches are assigned to mentor 40 families each, ensuring personalized guidance and monitoring.
Technology & Monitoring
- A state-level digital dashboard will enable real-time tracking of: Fund disbursement; Household development progress; Implementation efficiency
Alignment with Government Initiatives
- G-SAFAL aligns with the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), launched by the Government of India in January 2023, to improve livelihoods and essential services in 500 Aspirational Blocks.
- Focuses on accelerating social and economic progress in Gujarat’s aspirational regions.
- Supports the goal of formal financial inclusion by integrating beneficiaries with banks and financial institutions.
Significance of G-SAFAL & G-MAITRI
- Empowers rural women through entrepreneurship and financial independence.
- Creates sustainable livelihood opportunities, ensuring at least two income sources per family.
- Strengthens Gujarat’s rural economy by supporting startups and self-employed individuals.
- Contributes to long-term poverty alleviation and inclusive development.
With these initiatives, Gujarat aims to transform rural livelihoods, ensuring economic stability and empowerment for underprivileged families.