The daily lives of millions of women are completely changing after joining the Rashtriya Gramin Aajeevika Mission Bihan Yojana, implemented across the country to empower women economically in the state. Similarly, Pratima Suryavanshi of Koriya district, who rose from a humble beginning to run her own grocery shop, is now a strong financial support for her family. Her story of becoming a millionaire is inspiring other homemakers in Dhanpur, a remote village under the Sonhat Janpad Panchayat of Koriya district.
- desire to do something
As a woman from a typical farming family, Mrs. Pratima Suryavanshi was confined to the fields and the kitchen. With no other source of income, the family faced a constant financial crisis. One day, some women came to the village to join Bihan and explain its benefits. Learning about the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Bihan scheme sparked a desire in Pratima to establish herself.
- Starting with a self-help group
At the behest of Bihan’s field team, the village women formed the Chand Self-Help Group. Pratima joined as a member, and these women found a path to self-help. Through Bihan, the group received assistance first from RF and then from CIF. Subsequently, Pratima obtained a bank loan of two lakh rupees through the group.
Grocery Business
Expressing happiness about her business choice, Pratima explained that this village is far from the headquarters, making daily necessities the most important item in the village. With this thought in mind, she started a grocery business at her home, stocking all the essentials of daily life. Soon, her business became established in the village and now provides a good income.