- ‘The grocery store generates an annual income of 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees, providing financial support to the family.’
Mrs. Anita Gupta, who once supported her family by selling vegetables at weekly markets with her husband, now runs a grocery shop at her home. Anita, from the remote village of Natwahi in the Sonhat development block of Koriya district, has paved the way to self-reliance through her hard work and support from the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan). The shop generates an annual income of approximately 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees.
Selling vegetables in the markets wasn’t easy for Anita. Transportation costs were involved, and if the vegetables weren’t sold on time, she would also suffer the loss of spoilage. Her savings were meager compared to her hard work, making meeting her family’s needs a challenge.
Meanwhile, joining a self-help group run under Bihan in the village provided her with an opportunity to expand her livelihood. With support from the group’s revolving fund and community investment fund, Anita initially received a loan of 40,000 rupees. She then received a loan of 100,000 rupees under the Mudra scheme. With this financial assistance, she set up a grocery store at home.
Opening the shop has transformed Anita’s daily routine and her family’s financial situation. She no longer has to endure the hassle of traveling to the market to sell goods. Running the shop from home, she is also fulfilling her family responsibilities. Regular income has boosted her confidence and provided financial support to her family.
Anita says that the help she received from Bihan has eased her struggles. Previously, she used to worry about transporting goods to the market and selling them. Now, her home-based business is running smoothly and has become a regular source of income.
This initiative of Anita shows that timely financial support and the will to move forward can make rural women self-reliant through self-employment.