“Gujarat’s new Rural Entrepreneurship Scheme, launched on 11 June 2025, aims to empower rural communities by fostering self-employment and sustainable growth. With financial aid, skill training, and market linkages, the initiative targets 10 lakh beneficiaries by 2030, boosting local economies and reducing urban migration.”
Gujarat Launches Ambitious Rural Entrepreneurship Program
On 11 June 2025, the Gujarat government unveiled its transformative Rural Entrepreneurship Scheme in Gandhinagar, a strategic initiative designed to catalyze economic development in the state’s rural heartlands. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, flanked by key ministers and industry leaders, announced the scheme at a high-profile event attended by thousands of rural entrepreneurs, policymakers, and local stakeholders.
The scheme is poised to address the pressing need for sustainable livelihoods in Gujarat’s villages, where over 60% of the state’s population resides. It offers a robust framework combining financial assistance, skill development, and market access to empower aspiring entrepreneurs. The government has allocated an initial corpus of ₹5,000 crore, with plans to scale funding through public-private partnerships over the next five years.
Under the scheme, eligible individuals aged 18–45 will receive micro-loans of up to ₹5 lakh at subsidized interest rates, repayable over flexible tenures. Women entrepreneurs and members of marginalized communities are prioritized, with 50% of the funds reserved for them to ensure inclusive growth. The initiative also includes a comprehensive training program, covering areas such as digital literacy, business management, and sustainable practices, to be delivered through 200 rural skill development centers across the state.
A key feature of the scheme is its focus on market linkages. The government has partnered with e-commerce giants and local cooperatives to ensure that rural products—ranging from handicrafts to organic produce—reach national and global markets. District-level “Entrepreneurship Hubs” will serve as incubation centers, providing mentorship, logistical support, and access to technology. The state aims to create 10 lakh self-employment opportunities by 2030, with an emphasis on sectors like agriculture, dairy, textiles, and renewable energy.
Officials highlighted the scheme’s potential to curb urban migration, a growing challenge in Gujarat. By fostering local economies, the initiative seeks to make villages self-reliant and economically vibrant. Early success stories are already emerging: in Banaskantha, a group of women artisans have scaled their traditional embroidery business with initial funding, securing bulk orders from urban retailers.
The launch event saw enthusiastic responses from attendees, with many hailing the scheme as a game-changer. Industry experts, however, emphasized the need for robust implementation and monitoring to ensure the benefits reach the grassroots level. The government has assured transparency, with a dedicated online portal for applications, tracking, and feedback.
As Gujarat takes bold steps toward rural empowerment, the scheme is being closely watched as a potential model for other states. With its blend of financial support, skill-building, and market access, the initiative promises to redefine the rural economic landscape, turning villages into hubs of innovation and opportunity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from the Gujarat government’s official announcements, press releases, and insights from industry stakeholders. Information is sourced from public domains and real-time updates as of 11 June 2025. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.