The Gujarat government has significantly increased the budget for the Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to widowed women.
For the financial year 2025-26, the allocation has been raised to ₹3,015 crore, marking a substantial increase of nearly ₹700 crore from the previous year’s allocation of ₹2,362.67 crore. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering women and ensuring their financial security.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has been at the forefront of implementing women-centric policies designed to foster self-sufficiency.
The Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana is one such scheme that offers monthly financial assistance of ₹1,250 to widowed women, helping them meet their daily expenses and lead a life of dignity.
The Gujarat government has consistently expanded the budget for this scheme over the years, demonstrating its dedication to improving the welfare of widowed women.
According to official figures, as of February 2025, a total of ₹2,164.64 crore has been disbursed to 16.49 lakh widowed women under the scheme. The initiative not only provides immediate relief but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for beneficiaries.
Many women have expressed their gratitude for the scheme. Devyaniben Padavi, a resident of Dang, shared how the programme has helped her manage her household expenses since her husband's passing in 2021.
Hina Patel and Nikita Prajapati from Patan also praised the scheme, stating that the financial assistance has ensured the continuation of their children's education.
The Gujarat government has taken several steps to improve the Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana over the years. In 2019, the monthly financial assistance was increased to ₹1,250, and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system was introduced to ensure transparency and efficiency in fund distribution.
Additionally, the rule that discontinued assistance once a widow’s son turned 21 years old was removed, ensuring lifelong support for beneficiaries.
The income eligibility criteria for the scheme were also revised to include more women. For rural areas, the limit was raised from ₹47,000 to ₹1,20,000, while for urban areas, it was increased from ₹68,000 to ₹1,50,000.
As a result, the number of beneficiaries has surged from 1.64 lakh in 2018-19 to 16.49 lakh by February 2025.
Over the past five years, both the budget and the number of beneficiaries under the scheme have seen steady growth. In 2020-21, the allocation stood at ₹549.74 crore, benefiting 8.16 lakh women.
The following years witnessed consistent increases, with the budget reaching ₹753.47 crore in 2021-22, ₹917.02 crore in 2022-23, and ₹1,981.76 crore in 2023-24.
The government’s proactive approach has led to a nearly 500% increase in budget allocation from 2020 to 2025.
This expansion aligns with the state’s broader vision of women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. The Gujarat government remains committed to strengthening welfare schemes that provide stability and security to vulnerable groups.
By continuously enhancing financial support, the state aims to set an example for progressive governance and social welfare.
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