- “Chief Minister Jashpur Express Scheme has provided a new path to self-reliance, earning a net income of 15,000 to 18,000 rupees per month.”
- ‘By joining the Bihaan Mission, Sangeeta transformed her family’s financial situation and is now inspiring other women to become self-employed.’
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is providing new self-employment opportunities to rural women to empower them economically and make them self-reliant. With the support of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) and various state government schemes, women are moving beyond traditional livelihood activities and establishing their identity in new businesses. Mrs. Sangeeta Devi, a resident of Cherdahar village panchayat in Duldula development block of Jashpur district, is an inspiring example. Once a family-oriented woman, taking small loans from self-help groups for family needs and agricultural work, Sangeeta now earns a net income of 15,000 to 18,000 rupees per month by driving an e-rickshaw. Through her hard work and self-confidence, she has achieved the feat of becoming a Lakhpati Didi.
- ‘The journey of self-reliance began with joining Bihaan’
Mrs. Sangeeta Devi joined the Bihan Mission in 2018 through the Deepak Self-Help Group. After joining the group, she learned about regular savings, credit facilities, and various livelihood enhancement opportunities. Initially, she took small loans from the group to meet her agricultural and family needs. Gradually, she developed a strong desire to start her own business and increase her family’s income.
Sangeeta realized that developing a sustainable alternative source of income alongside farming could improve the family’s financial situation. With this thought in mind, she proposed providing e-rickshaws to the Duldula cluster organization. She explained that the Duldula to Patratoli route has a good passenger traffic, and operating e-rickshaws on this route offers excellent employment opportunities. Her initiative opened a new path toward self-reliance.
- ‘Received e-rickshaw from the Chief Minister, brought a big change in life’
Recognizing Sangeeta Devi’s determination, interest in self-employment, and potential for livelihood opportunities, she was provided with a battery-operated e-rickshaw under the Chief Minister’s Jashpur Express Scheme in 2025. Receiving the e-rickshaw from Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai on the occasion of Rakshabandhan became a memorable moment in her life.
After acquiring an e-rickshaw, Sangeeta transformed it not just into a means of transportation for passengers, but also into the foundation of her own financial independence and family well-being. She decided to drive an e-rickshaw herself and launched the business with full confidence. Today, she operates an e-rickshaw on the Duldula to Patratoli route, earning a regular income through her hard work.
- ‘Daily income of Rs 700 to 800, monthly net income up to Rs 18,000’
Sangeeta Devi, who has been driving an e-rickshaw for the past year, earns approximately 700 to 800 rupees per day. After deducting all the expenses associated with operating the e-rickshaw, she earns a net income of approximately 15,000 to 18,000 rupees per month. Thus, her annual net income reaches approximately 180,000 to 216,000 rupees.
This financial strength gained through self-employment has brought about a profound change in Sangeeta’s life. While she previously had to rely on loans to meet her family’s needs, she now contributes to household expenses from her own earnings. Her achievement demonstrates that rural women, given the right opportunities and support, can successfully establish self-employment in non-agricultural activities.
- ‘The family got financial support, the path to a better future for the children became easier’
Regular income from her e-rickshaw has strengthened Sangeeta Devi’s family’s financial situation. She now contributes her earnings to her children’s upbringing and meeting their needs. She contributes to the family’s daily expenses and also helps her husband financially when needed.
For Sangeeta, this achievement isn’t limited to increased income. Being self-employed has also strengthened her self-confidence and decision-making abilities. By sharing the family’s financial responsibilities equally, she is striving for a better future for her children.
- ‘With the power of Bihaan, Didi became Lakhpati and is also showing a new path to other women’
Mrs. Sangeeta Devi explains that after joining the Bihan Mission, she learned about the collective power of the group, the savings and credit facilities, and new livelihood opportunities. The self-help group provided her with the opportunity to engage in economic activities, while the Chief Minister’s Jashpur Express Scheme played a key role in starting her own business.
Today, Sangeeta has established herself as a Lakhpati Didi. She is inspiring other Bihan Didis to not limit themselves to farming and traditional livelihood activities, but to pursue new non-agricultural businesses and self-employment opportunities based on their interests and local needs.
She believes that if women move forward with confidence and make proper use of the available opportunities, they can bring significant changes in the economic condition of their families.
- ‘Expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the district administration’
Mrs. Sangeeta Devi expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the Jashpur District Administration for her success. She says that the e-rickshaw she received under the Chief Minister Jashpur Express Scheme has given her the opportunity to stand on her own feet. This has not only increased her family’s income but also inspired her to move forward in life with confidence and dignity.
Sangeeta’s success is an inspiring story of rural women’s empowerment. She proves that with determination, hard work, and the right opportunities for self-employment, women can achieve economic independence.
Leveraging livelihood promotion initiatives led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and support from the Bihan Mission, women like Sangeeta are increasing their participation in the rural economy. Sangeeta Devi of Duldula’s journey to becoming a Lakhpati Didi sends the message that determination to move forward and utilize available opportunities are more important than extensive resources for self-reliance. Her success is inspiring other women in the village.