- Bihaan gave a boost, confidence strengthened by the schemes of the Sai government
- Ground picture of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making women self-help groups self-reliant
Once dependent on limited resources to meet her family’s needs, Mrs. Babli Yadav of Chuktipani Gram Panchayat is now forging her own identity through her skills, hard work, and self-confidence. By joining the Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan, she has adopted not just one but several livelihood activities. Through diverse pursuits like photocopying and computer work, mushroom production, and mahua procurement, she has built a strong income base. Today, her story is becoming an inspiration for women in the village who dream of standing on their own feet and strengthening their families’ financial situation.
Mrs. Babli Yadav is the president of the Jagriti Mahila Self Help Group. After joining the group, she took advantage of the opportunities available to her and pursued self-employment. She secured a loan through the group, purchased a computer, and began photocopying and computer-related work from her home. Although she started small, her hard work and consistent efforts have transformed this work into a source of regular income.
The benefits of Babli’s hard work weren’t limited to her family. Photocopying, printing, and computer-related work became available right here in the village. The small tasks that previously required villagers to travel outside were now completed locally. Thus, her self-employment became a source of convenience for the villagers and a source of income for her family.
- Mushroom cultivation increases income, new opportunity related to Mahua purchase
Mrs. Babli Yadav didn’t limit her income to a single source. She began mushroom cultivation. This agriculture-based business, established in a limited space, provided her with additional income. Mushroom cultivation gave her the confidence that by properly utilizing local resources and available opportunities, new income streams could be created while living in a village.
She is also involved in the procurement of mahua through the PG group. Through this activity, she not only earns income herself but also connects rural women with employment and economic activities. Thus, from photocopying to mushrooms and mahua, Babli has combined multiple income sources for her livelihood.
- The family was strengthened by a monthly income of about Rs 10,000.
Mrs. Babli Yadav explains that activities like photocopying and computer work, mushroom production, and mahua procurement add up to a monthly income of approximately 10,000 rupees. This additional income has strengthened the family’s financial situation. While previously limited sources of income were necessary to meet family needs, she now has a regular source of income through her hard work.
For her, this change isn’t limited to increased income. Economic independence has also boosted her confidence in decision-making. Today, she not only supports her family’s needs but also inspires other women to engage in self-employment and group-based activities.
- Bihaan provided an opportunity, and government schemes provided a path forward.
In Chhattisgarh, through the State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), a strong focus is being placed on training, financial support, and connecting women’s self-help groups with livelihood activities. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, these efforts are being furthered to connect rural women with economic activities and make them self-reliant. Babli Yadav’s story is a local example of this, where group engagement, access to credit, and livelihood opportunities provided a rural woman with a path to self-reliance.
- The story of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and his vision of women-led development
Mrs. Babli Yadav’s success also aligns with a broader vision that emphasizes making rural women active participants in economic activities, not just beneficiaries of schemes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has described women associated with self-help groups as a strong link to a developed India and has emphasized increasing women’s income and economic self-reliance through “Lakhpati Didi.”
The central government’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) focuses on strengthening livelihoods through financial, technical, and market-related support to women’s self-help groups. The mission organizes rural women through community organizations and provides them with access to credit and other resources.
This mindset is gradually transforming the lives of the village women. Babli Yadav combined the strength she gained from the group with her local knowledge and hard work, and turned various activities into a source of livelihood.
- Socio-economic support received from housing and mother worship
Mrs. Babli Yadav has also benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. The support provided by these schemes has provided a strong foundation for her family’s basic needs. While housing provided the family with safe shelter, regular financial assistance helped meet household needs.
Babli says that joining government programs and Bihan has given her the opportunity to move forward. She believes that if women receive proper guidance, support from a group, and the opportunity to start an economic activity, they can not only support their families but also become sources of employment and inspiration for others.
- From small beginnings to great recognition
Babli Yadav’s story shows that self-reliance doesn’t always require starting with a large business. Starting with a computer and a photocopier, followed by mushroom cultivation and mahua procurement, these small efforts combined to strengthen her income.
Today, Babli’s small home business has become not just a source of income but a symbol of self-confidence. She now has not only work but also hope for new possibilities for her family and other women in her village.
Babli Yadav’s success exemplifies that when women receive support from a group, financial opportunities, training, and government programs, they have the power to transform their circumstances. Babli of Chuktipani is not only strengthening her family’s financial situation but also sending a message to other women in the village that with hard work, opportunity, and confidence, the path to self-reliance can begin in the village itself.