- Dhaneshwari became an employer, Bhagwati became ‘Lakhpati Didi’—the impact of empowerment is visible across the state.
The Chhattisgarh government’s State Rural Livelihood Mission “Bihan” scheme is bringing about profound change in the lives of rural women. Through the scheme’s effective implementation, women across the state are not only becoming self-reliant but also creating employment opportunities for others through self-employment. Dhaneshwari Sahu and Bhagwati Singh of Surguja district are inspiring examples, having set new benchmarks for success through their hard work and the scheme’s support.
- From farming to entrepreneurship: Dhaneshwari becomes an employer
Dhaneshwari Sahu of Gumgarkala village in the Lakhanpur development block of Surguja district gave her life a new direction by joining the Jai Santoshi Maa Self Help Group. With a loan of ₹1 lakh received through the group, she began cultivating cucumbers using modern methods on one acre of land. Her hard work and technical guidance have resulted in good yields, which she sells in the Ambikapur market, earning a good income.
Today, Dhaneshwari not only strengthens her family’s financial situation but also provides employment to two to four local laborers on her farm. This effort is establishing her as a successful female entrepreneur and employer.
- Bhagwati became ‘Lakhpati Didi’ through multifaceted career
Bhagwati Singh of the Gram Panchayat Gumgra Khurd joined the Rekha Women’s Self-Help Group, a self-reliant group. Initially, she began vegetable farming with a grant of 15,000 rupees, and later invested 30,000 rupees to start brick manufacturing. She produced approximately 50,000 bricks and earned a good profit.
Bhagwati then took out a bank loan of 50,000 rupees and opened a grocery and clothing store. With multiple income sources, her financial situation strengthened, and she became known as “Lakhpati Didi.” Today, she has built a permanent home for her family and is providing a better education for her children.
- Getting confidence and respect from Bihaan
Both women say that the “Bihan” scheme has not only provided them with financial support, but also given them confidence and social recognition. They attribute their success to the schemes implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, expressing their gratitude.
Through the “Bihan” scheme, thousands of women in the state are becoming self-reliant through self-employment and are playing a vital role in building a developed Chhattisgarh.