- A powerful initiative that opened the door to self-reliance
In Chhattisgarh, the “Bihan” scheme, run under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), is freeing rural women from struggle and providing them with a self-reliant and dignified life. Through self-help groups, women are being connected to self-employment by providing training and financial assistance, leading them to become “lakhpati didis,” setting an example in society.
When courage soars and there’s a will to achieve something, circumstances change quickly. Mrs. Sunita Narwas, a resident of the remote village of Sahapal in the Narayanpur development block, has proven this. Once struggling with limited income and financial hardship, Sunita has not only become the backbone of her family but has also emerged as a new example of self-reliance for hundreds of women in Chhattisgarh’s rural areas.
- Challenging journey and search for livelihood
Until recently, Sunita’s family’s financial situation was extremely precarious. Their livelihood depended entirely on limited farming and uncertain wages. Meeting daily needs was a significant challenge, and there was always a sense of insecurity about the future, but Sunita refused to give up. She relentlessly sought a sustainable source of livelihood to provide a better life for her family.
- Blessings from ‘Bihan’: Changed thinking, increased confidence
A turning point in Sunita’s life came when she joined the Sai Baba Self-Help Group, a program run by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihar). The group meetings and savings management training instilled a new confidence in her. During this time, she learned about the Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) project. Under the guidance of experts, she decided to abandon traditional methods and adopt scientific ones.
- Advanced Backyard Poultry Farming: The New Mantra for Success
With the project’s technical support, Sunita began advanced poultry farming in her backyard. She deviated from traditional practices, focusing on a balanced diet, timely vaccinations, and proper maintenance. The results of this scientific management were soon visible. In the initial stages, she earned a net profit of 15,750 rupees. This initial income bolstered Sunita’s spirits, and she made it her primary source of sustainable livelihood.
- Economic prosperity and a roadmap for the future
Today, Sunita Narwas’s family has completely overcome financial hardship. Sunita is now expanding her business on a larger scale. She aims to generate a steady income of 20,000 rupees per month.
- Became a role model for the women of the village
Sunita’s success isn’t limited to her home. Seeing her, many other women in Sahapal and surrounding villages are joining self-help groups and adopting scientific methods of livelihood. Mrs. Sunita Narwas says that the Bihan Yojana and the Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) have not only strengthened her financially but also given her the courage to live with dignity in society. Today, her family is moving towards a prosperous future. She wants every woman to take advantage of this scheme and make her dreams come true.
