In Ahmedabad, Ramilaben Mukesh Joshi of Alvada exemplifies the transformative power of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme launched by the central government in 2023, aimed at achieving financial independence for 3 crore women by 2027. Since beginning her venture in making cotton wicks for lamps in 2024, Ramilaben’s earnings have exceeded Rs 1 lakh within a year. Gujarat has witnessed significant progress with 1.48 lakh women achieving this income milestone, earning the title of ‘Lakhpati Didis.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative as pivotal to women’s empowerment and the advancement of a Viksit Bharat. The scheme supports women through self-help groups, providing training, financial assistance, and market access to foster businesses in various sectors. To date, over 798,000 women in Gujarat have registered for the program, with most engaged in agriculture-related employment as the state strives towards its target of 10 lakh financially independent women.