(IANS photo)
Gandhinagar, January 20 (IANS) At a time when women across Gujarat are steadily redefining their economic and social roles, Rajiben Vankar from Kutch district has emerged as a powerful symbol of self-reliance, resilience and environmental responsibility.
By transforming traditional weaving skills into a sustainable livelihood and converting waste plastic into useful products, Rajiben has not only secured her own future but has also generated employment for dozens of rural women.
Over the years, sustained efforts towards women’s empowerment initiated by then Chief Minister and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi have created pathways for women to achieve financial independence.
As a result, women in Gujarat today are standing shoulder to shoulder with men, building enterprises and strengthening their communities through self-employment.
In Gujarat, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC).
Since the inception of the scheme, till December 2025, around 2.89 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed, covering nearly 28.70 lakh rural households.
These SHGs have received over ₹1,433 crore in revolving and community investment funds, while more than ₹4,050 crore has been disbursed as cash credit loans — creating a strong foundation for grassroots entrepreneurship led by women.
Rajiben, a resident of Avadhnagar village in Kutch, has successfully combined women’s empowerment with environmental conservation.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), she gave practical shape to the waste-to-wealth concept by managing plastic waste and converting it into livelihood opportunities. Through innovative weaving techniques, waste plastic is transformed into bags, mats and furniture, providing regular income to several women.
Born in 1979 in Kotay village of Bhuj taluka, Rajiben could study only up to Class II. From a young age, she was engaged in manual labour and weaving.
Later, following the untimely demise of her husband, she faced severe financial hardship while raising two sons and a daughter. In 2007, she moved to Avadhnagar village and sustained her family through daily wage work. Her life took a decisive turn after she heard about the Mission Mangalam initiative. She formed the 'Kuldevi Sakhi Mandal', marking the beginning of her journey towards self-reliance.
Along with fellow SHG members, Rajiben began collecting waste plastic, converting it into thread and weaving it into marketable products. What started as a survival strategy soon evolved into a small enterprise.
As a single woman overcoming personal adversity, Rajiben not only supported her own family but also restored dignity and confidence among rural women by providing them with stable livelihoods.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and with support from the Rural Development Department, Rajiben received ₹70,000 as Community Investment Fund assistance and a ₹2 lakh cash credit loan through the village organisation. With this support, she set up a production unit with 15 women.
Today, more than 35 women are directly benefiting from the initiative, collectively generating an annual turnover of ₹8–10 lakh.
Despite her limited formal education, Rajiben ensured higher education for her daughter, setting an example for countless families. Her work has received recognition at both state and national levels.
She was honoured with the President’s Award (Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman) for excellence in plastic waste management, along with the Nari Award (2021 – GLPC), Social Entrepreneur Award by NABARD, and the Women Excellence Award (2022).
Rajiben’s journey stands as living proof that determination, hard work and timely institutional support can transform lives.
More importantly, it demonstrates how rural women, when empowered, can lead change by building self-reliance, strengthening communities and advancing towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
