Gujarat’s BJP government is scripting a success story with the Mangalam Canteen scheme, designed to uplift women from rural backgrounds. Spearheaded by the Rural Development Department via GLPC, this program has already employed more than 1,700 women, providing them with dignified livelihoods.
Scattered across key public institutions like educational hubs, healthcare facilities, and administrative buildings, these 200+ canteens buzz with activity. Women who once struggled with basic sustenance are now key players in the food service industry, earning respectable wages that transform household dynamics.
In Gandhinagar, self-help group members from Sakhi Mandal share their journeys. ‘This canteen has changed our lives,’ says Sarlaben. ‘We cook, serve, and sustain our families.’ Comprehensive training in hospitality ensures they excel, boosting confidence and skills.
Manager Mital Prajapati adds, ‘GLPC’s hotel management courses have been game-changers. I now motivate my team effectively.’ Monthly earnings of Rs 10,000 to 50,000 allow these women to invest in education, health, and home improvements.
Echoing the Swadeshi ethos, the scheme promotes local produce while challenging traditional gender roles. It’s not just about jobs; it’s about inspiring a movement where empowered women lead by example, encouraging peers to break free from dependency. Gujarat’s model is poised to influence national policies on women’s economic inclusion.
