Dr Anna Roy, a senior advisor at NITI Aayog, launched an ambitious plan to connect 30,000 women entrepreneurs registered in India's Women Entrepreneurship Programme with the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (SGCCI) Global Connect Mission 84 project.
The initiative aims to propel women entrepreneurs and create lasting socio-economic change, aligning with the Government of India's efforts to empower women through a variety of schemes. Dr Roy highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that four cities, including Surat, have been designated as "Growth Hubs" in the Government's vision to transform them into world-class cities by 2047.
During her visit to SGCCI, Dr. Roy engaged in comprehensive discussions about Surat's development in various sectors, focusing on health, education, business, and industry. The intent is to elevate Surat's status to that of a leading livable city globally, reflecting the government's commitment to holistic progress and quality of life.
Abhilesh Babal, a member of the NITI Aayog team, underlined the potential for developing the tourism industry in South Gujarat, particularly in Surat, as a powerful tool for empowering women in rural areas and generating employment for local communities. The ultimate goal is to establish 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, emphasizing its pivotal role in strengthening India's economy. He also announced the upcoming launch of an online international platform under the Mission 84 project, which will bolster exports from India, with a specific focus on the Gujarat region.
During the discussions, Ashish Gujarati, the former president of SGCCI, highlighted the importance of relaunching vital schemes such as the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) Scheme for the textile industry's development. He also urged attention to challenges related to importing high-quality raw materials, especially with the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO).
Furthermore, concerns were raised about proposed customs duties on imported machinery starting from April 1, 2025. 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.
The move spearheaded by Dr Roy and SGCCI reflects India's commitment to fostering women's entrepreneurship and creating a more inclusive, empowered society. It also seeks to address economic challenges and drive India's growth trajectory, ensuring that women play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future.
The initiatives underway will further strengthen India's global presence, with a vision for greater economic prosperity and gender equality. As SGCCI's Global Connect Mission 84 unfolds and women entrepreneurs are empowered, the nation inches closer to realizing its full potential.
