- A successful model for non-farm livelihoods: The cement brick industry resonates with self-reliance in Bastar
- The power of self-help groups and government support is changing the image of rural women.
Cement brick manufacturing is economically empowering women and local youth in rural and tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. With the help of schemes like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihar), women in self-help groups have taken this business to new heights of success with small loans and training. In tribal areas like Bastar, women are becoming millionaires through self-help groups (such as the Lakshmi Self Help Group).
The positive results of the efforts being made to empower rural women in Chhattisgarh through the National Rural Livelihood Mission to empower them with self-reliance are now visible on the ground. Mrs. Sumni Kashyap, a resident of Chhindgaon village, a dependent village of Kohkapal Gram Panchayat in the Bakawand development block of Bastar district, is an inspiring example. Once confined solely to farming, Sumni is now successfully operating a cement brick manufacturing enterprise, not only strengthening her family’s financial situation but also paving a new path to self-reliance for other women in the area.
- Successful model of non-farm livelihood: Cement brick industry
After joining a self-help group, Sumni Kashyap recognized an opportunity in the growing demand for cement bricks in the area due to various construction projects, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. She decided to pursue a non-agricultural livelihood alongside traditional farming and established a cement brick manufacturing unit, setting a new example of rural entrepreneurship.
- Support received from National Rural Livelihood Mission
To establish this enterprise, seed capital of ₹5 lakh was provided by the cluster organization under the Non-Farm (Non-Agricultural Livelihoods) component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Additionally, Sumani invested approximately ₹1.5 lakh on her own and through her self-help group. Production began in April 2026 after developing the necessary infrastructure, including machinery, sheds, and flooring, at a total cost of over ₹6.5 lakh.
- 20 trolleys of bricks sold in three months
Due to the easy availability of raw materials like dust and gravel in the Jagdalpur and Balenga areas, and the abundance of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other construction projects in the region, the demand for cement bricks manufactured by Sumni is continuously increasing. Finished goods are purchased directly from the construction site. He has proven the success of his venture by selling 20 trolleys of cement bricks within just three months of starting the business.
- Economic empowerment is changing the future of the family
The income from this business has provided Sumni Kashyap’s family with financial stability. Her eldest daughter, after completing 12th grade, is preparing for the Agriculture Admission Test (PAT) along with a computer course in Jagdalpur, while her two younger sons are in seventh and fifth grades. Sumni is now moving forward with greater confidence than ever regarding her family’s education and future.
- She gained recognition in Delhi and became an inspiration for women.
Sumni Kashyap works as a gender master in a self-help group and earns a monthly honorarium of 5,000 rupees. Her excellent work ethic and active contributions have earned her recognition in Delhi. Through diverse livelihoods, such as farming, grocery shopping, fishing, and now cement brick manufacturing, she has proven that women, given the right guidance, financial support, and opportunities, can transform not only their families but also the rural economy.
