Rural Women Realizing Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Self-Reliant India’ Campaign with Inspiration from National Rural Livelihood Mission

To give concrete form to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” and “Self-Reliant India” resolve, numerous schemes are being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel in Gujarat. One of these is the National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), which is empowering rural women by providing self-employment opportunities.

Under this scheme, the ‘Shri Ganesh Sakhi Mandal’ was formed in Itwad village of Desar taluka in Vadodara district. This group received revolving fund assistance of ₹30,000 and a loan of ₹1.50 lakh through the bank. With this support, the sisters of the group have taken steps toward self-reliance by making incense sticks and cow dung products.

Rural women mix natural ingredients like ghee, camphor, black-white sesame, and barley with indigenous cow dung to prepare environmentally friendly cow dung products. These products do not release harmful smoke when burned and purify the air. This initiative is spreading the message of economic empowerment along with cleanliness in the village.

According to a group member, “We have been making these products for the past year. Plain cow dung products sell for ₹50 and specially mixed products sell for ₹80. Now orders are coming from nearby villages too, creating a sustainable source of income.”

A cluster coordinator has been training Sakhi Mandals since 2019. She informed 10 Sakhi Mandals in Itwad about the scheme, explained the loan process, and taught methods to increase income using domestic resources.

Today, the women of Itwad are not only improving their family’s economic condition but also taking the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’ to every village. With the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the support of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, schemes like DAY-NRLM are truly making Gujarat’s rural women self-reliant, where hard work, skill, and determination ensure success.

National Rural Livelihood Mission

The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is a poverty alleviation initiative launched by the Government of India in 2011. It aims to reduce poverty by organizing rural poor women into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and building their capacity for sustainable livelihoods. The mission evolved from previous programs and focuses on financial inclusion, skill development, and creating community-level institutions.

Vocal for Local

“Vocal for Local” is not a physical place but a popular slogan and movement in India, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It encourages citizens to prioritize and promote locally made products and indigenous brands to strengthen the domestic economy. The initiative gained significant traction as a key part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-Reliant India

“Self-Reliant India” is not a physical place but a major national initiative launched by the Indian government. The policy, formally known as Atmanirbhar Bharat, aims to make India a self-reliant economy and empower its citizens by promoting local manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports, and fostering innovation. It draws inspiration from India’s historical independence movement which also emphasized economic self-sufficiency.

Shri Ganesh Sakhi Mandal

Shri Ganesh Sakhi Mandal is a Hindu religious and community organization, most likely based in India, dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. Such mandals are traditionally formed by local communities to organize annual Ganesh Chaturthi festivals, which involve installing and collectively worshipping a Ganesha idol before a grand public immersion procession. While the specific history of this particular mandal is not widely documented, these institutions have played a vital role in fostering social cohesion and preserving religious traditions for generations.

Itwad village

I am unable to provide a summary for “Itwad village” as I could not find any specific, verifiable information about a place by this name in my knowledge base. It is possible the spelling may vary, or it may refer to a very small or local site. For accurate information, I would recommend consulting a regional travel guide or local historical source.

Desar taluka

I am unable to provide a summary for “Desar taluka” as I cannot find any specific information about a place or cultural site by this name. It is possible that the spelling may be different, or it may refer to a very localized area not widely documented in available sources. You may want to verify the name or provide additional context for a more accurate response.

Vadodara district

Vadodara district is located in the eastern part of the Indian state of Gujarat. Historically, it was the seat of the powerful Gaekwad dynasty of the Maratha Empire, which established Baroda (now Vadodara city) as their capital in the 18th century. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, palaces like the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, and as a major educational and industrial center.

Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, home to one of the world’s first ports at Lothal. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, including the traditional Garba dance, and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The state also features significant landmarks like the Somnath Temple and the Rann of Kutch salt desert.