- Innovation by Bihan women under the Lakhpati Mahila Initiative
The National Rural Livelihood Mission is a major poverty alleviation program. Its objective is to empower rural people, especially women, through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), provide financial assistance, and create self-employment opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Under the Lakhpati Mahila initiative, implemented under the Chhattisgarh government’s National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), women from self-help groups in Surguja district have launched the “Asha Bihan Bazaar,” an innovative initiative that will provide direct market access to rural women’s products.
Mrs. Asha Ravi, a member of a self-help group in Kishunagar, Ambikapur block, has taken a significant step towards women’s self-reliance by launching the “Asha Bihan Bazaar.” With financial support from Bihan, she will now be able to organize and systematically market the products produced by various women in the group.
- Innovative solution to a market problem
Pure mustard oil, multigrain flour, pickles, and other handicrafts—all of which faced difficulties in selling due to a lack of proper markets. Turning this challenge into an opportunity, Asha Ravi established her own market with financial assistance from the Bihan Yojana. Located opposite the Food Park on Bhatti Road in Ambikapur, the Asha Bihan Bazaar will offer natural products made by women.
- Financial incentives give new wings
Asha Ravi has been approved for a total assistance of ₹10 lakh under the “Lakhpati Mahila Initiative.” The first installment of ₹5 lakh has been provided, which she used to lay the foundation for this market. Now, through this center, products from neighboring groups can be easily sold, increasing the income of hundreds of women.
- The inauguration took place in the presence of distinguished guests.
At the inauguration of the “Asha Bihan Bazaar,” public representatives praised this innovation by women, calling it a significant initiative toward strengthening the rural economy.
This effort to empower women economically through the Bihan scheme will not only fulfill the pledge of a “self-reliant India,” but will also prove to be a new and important dimension toward women’s empowerment.