- Chhattisgarh’s Ahilya Nishad Becomes a ‘Lakhpati Didi’; Earns ₹24,000 Monthly Running a Hotel
- A Story of Transformation: The Journey from Struggle to Self-Reliance
Managing household expenses and funding her children’s education amidst a limited family income and financial hardship used to be a major challenge for Mrs. Ahilya Nishad. A resident of Village Bilaigarh (A) in the Baramkela block of Chhattisgarh’s Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, Ahilya’s life was once defined by the same financial struggles faced by many ordinary housewives. However, it is often said that strong determination and a small step taken in the right direction can change one’s destiny.
Ahilya’s inspiring story stands as a shining example of the impact of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan Scheme) combined with her own hard work.
- Destiny Transformed Through the Bihan Scheme and Lakshmi Self-Help Group
A real turning point in Ahilya Nishad’s life came on March 15, 2018, when she joined the Lakshmi Self-Help Group under the Bihan Scheme. Upon joining, she began saving just ₹100 per month to alleviate her financial constraints.
Joining the group not only taught her financial discipline but also provided a new platform for growth. With the group’s assistance, she secured a loan of ₹1 lakh from the bank and opened a breakfast stall named ‘Nishad Hotel’ on the main road of her village.
- A New Flight Towards Self-Reliance: The Journey to Becoming a ‘Lakhpati Didi’
Supported by her husband, Mr. Kirtilal Nishad, and driven by her own unwavering hard work, Ahilya’s business gradually began to gain momentum. Currently, her hotel generates a daily income of approximately ₹500 to ₹800, bringing her monthly earnings to between ₹15,000 and ₹24,000.
This steady income has not only strengthened her family’s financial position but also paved the way for a better future and quality education for her children. Today, she serves as an inspiration to other women in the region and is proudly recognized as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’. Smt. Ahilya Nishad says, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the ‘Bihan’ scheme; thanks to it, I have become self-reliant and am able to provide a better life for my family.”
This story stands as a vivid testament to the empowerment of rural women at the state level, the strength of women’s self-help groups, and the success of livelihood enhancement through the ‘Bihan’ scheme.