- Gujarat government has allocated Rs 3,015 crore for the Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana for 2025-26, showing a strong commitment to supporting widowed women.
- Over the past five years, the budget for this scheme has increased by nearly 500%, reflecting continuous growth and dedication to women’s financial empowerment.
- The scheme provides monthly assistance of Rs 1,250 to widowed women, helping them manage household expenses and ensuring their children’s education.
In a significant move towards empowering widowed women, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has significantly boosted the budget for Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana. This yojana aims to provide financial independence and ensure a life of dignity and security for widowed women in Gujarat.
Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana: Budget Increased for Widowed Women
Gujarat government has consistently increased the financial support provided through this scheme. The budget has seen substantial growth, reflecting the state’s commitment to women’s welfare.
Key Budget Increases
- 2024-25: Rs 2,362.67 crore
- 2025-26: Rs 3,015 crore
This expansion of approximately Rs 700 crore within a single year demonstrates Gujarat’s proactive approach to supporting its widowed women population. As of February 2025, a total of Rs 2,164.64 crores has been disbursed to 16.49 lakh widowed women under the scheme.
Voices of Beneficiaries
The impact of Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana is evident in the stories of its beneficiaries:
Devyaniben Padavi from Dang shared, “After my husband passed away in 2021, I came to know about the Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana. The monthly assistance of Rs 1,250 has been a great help in managing my household expenses…”
Hina Patel and Nikita Prajapati from Patan expressed, “Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana has become a ray of hope in our lives… We are truly grateful to the Gujarat government for this support.”
Significant Budget Growth Over the Years
The budget allocation for Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana has seen a remarkable increase:
- 2020-21: Rs 549.74 crore
- 2025-26: Rs 3,015 crore
This nearly 500% surge in budget allocation over five years underscores the government’s dedication to women’s financial empowerment. The number of beneficiaries has also grown steadily, reflecting the scheme’s increasing reach and impact.
Budget Allocation and Expenditure Trends
Here’s a detailed look at the budget allocation and expenditure under Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana over the years:
| Financial Year | Budgetary Allocation (Rs in Crore) | Expenditure (Rs in Crore) | Beneficiaries (in Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 549.74 | 1313.38 | 8.16 |
| 2021-22 | 753.47 | 1768.86 | 11.61 |
| 2022-23 | 917.02 | 2156.29 | 13.62 |
| 2023-24 | 1981.76 | 2297.43 | 14.97 |
| 2024-25 (up to February 2025) | 2326.67 | 2164.64 | 16.49 |
Key Enhancements to Ganga Swarupa Yojana
Several enhancements have been made to Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana to maximize its benefits:
- Increased Financial Assistance: In 2019, the monthly financial assistance for widowed women was increased to Rs 1,250.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Implemented to ensure efficient and transparent disbursement of funds.
- Elimination of Discontinuation Clause: Previously, assistance was discontinued once the widow’s son attained adulthood (21 years). This provision has now been abolished, ensuring lifelong financial support.
- Increased Income Limits: The annual income limit for rural women increased from Rs 47,000 to Rs 1,20,000, while for urban women, it rose from Rs 68,000 to Rs 1,50,000.
Impact and Reach
As a result of these changes, the number of beneficiaries has seen a phenomenal rise—from 1.64 lakh in 2018-19 to 16.49 lakh by February 2025. Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana has reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to ensuring economic security and dignity for widowed women. The state continues to expand its welfare initiatives and stands as a shining example of empowerment, equality, and progress for women across India.