30K Indian women entrepreneurs to join SGCCI Mission 84: NITI Aayog

Surat : In a significant move towards women’s empowerment and economic growth, NITI Aayog’s senior advisor, Dr. Anna Roy, has unveiled an ambitious plan to connect 30,000 women entrepreneurs registered in the Women Entrepreneurship Programme run by the Government of India with the Global Connect Mission 84 project launched by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Dr. Anna Roy, a senior advisor at NITI Aayog, made a noteworthy visit to SGCCI during her stay in Surat. She announced a concerted effort to empower women through the Women Entrepreneurship Programme initiated by the Government of India. The Government has launched over 500 schemes designed to promote women’s empowerment and provide them with the tools for financial independence.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Dr. Roy mentioned that the Government of India has designated four cities, including Surat, as “Growth Hubs.” These cities, which also include Mumbai, Varanasi, and Vizag, are part of a larger vision to transform Surat into a world-class city by 2047.

Dr. Roy engaged in detailed discussions about the city’s development in various sectors, such as health, education, and business and industry. The focus was on the kind of development required to elevate Surat to the status of a leading livable city worldwide. These deliberations reflect the government’s commitment to holistic progress and quality of life.

Abhilesh Babal, a member of the NITI Aayog team, emphasized the potential for developing the tourism industry in South Gujarat, including Surat. He stressed that tourism could be a powerful tool for empowering women in rural areas and generating employment for local communities. The goal is to position Surat as a hub for outbound tourism.

Ramesh Vaghasia, the President of SGCCI, provided a comprehensive overview of the SGCCI Global Connect Mission 84 project. He explained the vital role this initiative plays in strengthening India’s economy. He also highlighted the forthcoming launch of an online international platform under the Mission 84 project. This platform aims to boost exports from across India, with a specific focus on the Gujarat region.

Ashish Gujarati, the former president of SGCCI, seized the opportunity to urge the NITI Aayog team to relaunch vital schemes like the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) Scheme. These schemes are crucial for the development of the textile industry. He also requested assistance in addressing challenges related to importing high-quality raw materials necessary for manufacturing quality fabric, particularly due to the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO).

Gujarati further raised concerns about the proposed implementation of customs duties on imported machinery starting from April 1, 2025. He urged NITI Aayog to consider recommending the revocation of this decision. Additionally, NITI Aayog was encouraged to represent the Ministry of Textiles and advocate for the introduction of a scheme to promote textile machinery manufacturing in India.