Amritsar College Honors 100 Women Entrepreneurs in Punjab Government Campaign
In a significant event aimed at fostering female entrepreneurship, Saroop Rani College for Women in Amritsar organized a district-level function under the Punjab Government's 'Apna Karobar, Apni Pehchaan' campaign on Monday, March 16, 2026. The program honored 100 women entrepreneurs from across the district, highlighting their contributions to the local economy and society.
Empowering Women Through Government Initiatives
The event, part of broader employment missions by the Centre and state government, sought to encourage youth, particularly women, to start their own businesses. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Parmjit Kaur emphasized the campaign's goal of making young women aware of schemes that promote self-reliance. "Today, the participation of women is continuously increasing in every important sector of society," she stated. "From small-scale home businesses to big companies and industries, women are playing an important role."
Kaur provided specific data to underscore this progress, noting that currently, 2,407 self-help groups are operational in the district under the Ajeevika Mission, with over 23,000 women running their own businesses through these groups.
Success Stories and Personal Journeys
Among the honorees were diverse participants, including students, women from rural households, and those from economically marginalized families. Ranjit Kaur, a homemaker-turned-food entrepreneur, shared her inspiring journey. She joined the Ajeevika Mission and formed her own Vishvas Help Group. "Today we employ 11 women, who have their own teams and are doing well with their catering business," she explained. "They earn enough to contribute substantially to their family incomes."
This personal account highlights the tangible impact of such initiatives on individual lives and community development.
College's Role in Bridging Educational Gaps
Saroop Rani College, the only government-run girls' college in Amritsar, has been proactive in supporting entrepreneurship among its students. Principal Karamjit Bal detailed the college's efforts: "We have been organizing digital and financial literacy seminars for students here to ease their understanding of business and entrepreneurship." The college also invites government policymakers and business experts to provide firsthand knowledge.
Bal added that many students come from marginalized families where limited resources and understanding of business restrict opportunities. "We aim to fill in these gaps," she said. Additionally, the college has partnered with local entrepreneurs to offer internship programs, further enhancing practical learning experiences.
Broader Campaign Impact and Future Events
The 'Apna Karobar, Apni Pehchaan' campaign has seen widespread implementation across Punjab. ADC Parmjit Kaur revealed that from March 2 to March 4, 2026, programs were organized in every Assembly constituency, honoring 100 women entrepreneurs from each. Looking ahead, a state-level function is scheduled for March 18 in Mohali, where the Chief Minister will honor 100 women entrepreneurs from across the state.
Jandiala constituency coordinator Sunaina Randhawa also addressed the gathering, sharing her own journey. "With the support of my family, I was able to move forward and reach a stage where I could address a college audience," she said. Randhawa emphasized that women today are capable of excelling in any field and are not behind men in any sphere.
This event underscores the growing momentum in Punjab to empower women through entrepreneurship, leveraging government schemes and educational support to drive economic independence and social progress.
