Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL to Uplift 50,000 Underprivileged Women

The Gujarat government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has launched G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods), a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged families, especially women, and promoting economic self-sufficiency. The scheme targets 50,000 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder families across 25 talukas in 10 districts of Gujarat over the next five years.

Implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (Rural Development Department), G-SAFAL focuses on livelihood creation, financial inclusion, and social development to ensure sustainable economic growth for the poorest families in the state.

Key Highlights of G-SAFAL

Objective

• To strengthen the livelihoods of Antyodaya families (economically weaker sections).
• To empower women and enhance financial self-sufficiency.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Target Beneficiaries: 50,000 AAY cardholder families.
• Coverage: 25 talukas across 10 districts in Gujarat.
• Implementation: By Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited.
• Grant Amount: ₹80,000 per family to develop income sources.
• Skill Training: Specialized training for sustainable livelihood.
• Financial Inclusion: Connection with banks, savings programs, and insurance.
• Women’s Empowerment: Field coaches assist 40 families each in skill development.
• Technology Integration: Digital dashboard for real-time monitoring.

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Four Pillars of G-SAFAL

• Social Security – Access to government welfare schemes and enhanced social security.
• Livelihood Creation – Financial grants for wealth generation and additional income sources.
• Financial Inclusion – Connection with banking services, credit facilities, and savings programs.
• Social Development & Empowerment – Life skill training and self-help group participation.

Districts Covered

• North Gujarat: Banaskantha (Tharad), Patan (Santalpur).
• Kutch Region: Kutch (Rapar, Lakhpat).
• Central Gujarat: Surendranagar (Sayla), Chhota Udepur (Kavant, Naswadi), Panchmahal (Ghoghamba), Dahod (Multiple Talukas).
• South Gujarat: Narmada, Tapi, Dang.

Implementation Strategy

• Identifying the poorest families among eligible cardholders.
• Providing specialized training for livelihood creation.
• Ensuring each family has at least two sources of income.
• Connecting beneficiaries to financial institutions for long-term financial sustainability.
• Continuous support through field coaches and mentors.

Alignment with Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)

• Launched by the Government of India in January 2023.
• Aims to uplift 500 aspirational blocks through livelihood development and better essential services.
• G-SAFAL contributes to this vision by accelerating social and economic progress in Gujarat’s underdeveloped regions.