- Achieved economic self-reliance through farming, fisheries and chana-chaat business
- Rural women are getting a new identity from the National Rural Livelihood Mission
In Chhattisgarh, the National Rural Livelihood Mission is becoming a powerful medium for positive change in the lives of rural women. Through self-help groups, women are now writing a new story of self-reliance. Mrs. Uma Singh, a resident of Maharajganj village in Balrampur district, is a strong example of this. With the support of the group, she has built a strong financial identity by adopting farming, fisheries, and small businesses. Today, she is known in the village as “Lakhpati Didi.”
Under the direction of Collector Mrs. Chandan Sanjay Tripathi and the guidance of District Panchayat CEO Mrs. Nayantara Singh Tomar, continuous efforts are being made to connect women in the district with self-employment. As part of these efforts, Mrs. Uma Singh, associated with the Gulab Mahila Self-Help Group, received financial assistance of ₹85,000 through the revolving fund, community investment fund, and bank linkage. Mrs. Uma used this amount for a variety of livelihood activities. She cultivated paddy on 2.5 acres of land and maize on 1.5 acres. She also began fish farming by relocating fish seeds to her pond. Apart from farming and fishing, he also started a chana chaat shop in Maharajganj Chowk for additional income, which has today become an important source of regular income for his family.
Through hard work and good management, Mrs. Uma earned 142,000 rupees from paddy sales, 16,000 rupees from maize production, and 20,000 rupees from fish farming this year. This success in various livelihood activities has given her a new identity in the village. Mrs. Uma Singh’s achievements are now becoming an inspiration for other women in the area. Inspired by her success, many women in nearby villages are joining self-help groups and moving forward in the direction of farming, animal husbandry, fisheries, and micro-businesses.
Through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, women are provided with financial assistance, training, and self-employment opportunities, which are strengthening the rural economy. Women like Uma Singh are proving that with collective support, self-confidence, and proper guidance, rural women can reach new heights of self-reliance.