- Intimate dialogue with the women of the forest region on Sushasan Tihar; the picture of self-reliant Chhattisgarh seen in the stories of struggle
On May 4th, during the Good Governance Festival in a remote forest area of Kabirdham district, a scene unfolded that brought the impact of government schemes beyond statistics and connected them to human emotions. When Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai suddenly arrived among the villagers in Kamrakhol of Gram Panchayat Lokhan, nestled amidst dense forests and hills, for the women present there, it was not just a meeting with the Chief Minister, but an emotional moment of recognition for their struggles.
A Chaupal was set up under the shade of a large old mango tree. The Chief Minister sat among the women and villagers, chatting freely with them. The village women candidly shared their life stories – from financial hardship, limited opportunities, and struggles to the journey they have now taken to become self-reliant through joining self-help groups.
When the Chief Minister was told that many women here had become “Lakhpati Didi” by joining the Bihan Yojana, his face reflected both satisfaction and pride. He said, “You have transformed your lives through hard work and confidence. Don’t stop here. Think big, move forward. Now you have to dream of becoming a Crorepati Didi.”
These words of the Chief Minister were no less than an inspiration for the women power present in the Chaupal. Mrs. Kachra Telgam of village Kukdur shared her story. Mrs. Kachra Telgam purchased shuttering plates with a loan of two lakh rupees received from the Bihan Yojana and started a new business. The beginning was not easy, but hard work and dedication gradually changed her life. Today she has approximately 1700 square feet of shuttering material and has helped in the construction of more than 22 houses. From this work, she earns Rs. 2.5 to 3 lakh rupees every year.
Kachra Telgam explains that while she used to be limited to household responsibilities, she has now become the financial backbone of her family. She confidently manages her children’s education, household needs, and future savings. She said the Chief Minister’s affection with which she spoke made her feel as if someone truly saw and understood her hard work. She has now been encouraged to move forward.
This visit to Sushasan Tihar made it clear that government schemes are bringing real change to the lives of people in remote forest areas. Women associated with self-help groups have become the new driving force of economic change in villages.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated that the government’s priority is to ensure that women in remote areas become self-reliant and progress with dignity. He added that when women are financially strong, the entire family and society are strengthened. This Chaupal, held under the shade of mango trees in these forest villages of Kabirdham, has become a symbol of the awakening of new confidence, big dreams, and a new beginning in the lives of women. This dream of “Lakhpati Didi” to “Karopati Didi” is now spreading as a new hope in every village.