- Now she is creating a new identity as ‘Lakhpati Didi’
Millions of women in Chhattisgarh are becoming living examples of empowerment. Through self-employment, they are not only becoming strong pillars of their families but also forging new paths of self-reliance and self-confidence. Economically empowered women are now playing a crucial role in building a developed Chhattisgarh. This chapter of women’s empowerment is not just a sign of change, but a strong foundation for a prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh.
Mrs. Poonam Devi, a member of the Ganesh Mahila Self-Help Group from Simda village in the Duldula development block of Jashpur district, is today known as “Lakhpati Didi.” Once burdened with household responsibilities with limited resources, Poonam Devi transformed her life by joining the self-help group. Poonam Devi explains that previously, she was confined to household chores and had to rely on wage labor to meet her family’s needs. Her financial situation was modest, making it difficult to meet her family’s needs. It was during this time that she decided to join the Ganesh Mahila Self-Help Group. After joining the group, she learned about savings, credit facilities, and various self-employment opportunities.
Seeing other women in the group earning income through fishing, goat rearing, and other livelihood activities inspired her. In March 2025, she received a loan of ₹1 lakh under the Mudra scheme. She used this money to expand her small grocery store.
After Mrs. Poonam Devi organized and expanded her grocery store, her business gradually began to grow. Currently, her shop generates sales of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 rupees per month. This income allows her to support her family and provide for her children’s education. Poonam Devi says that joining the self-help group has brought both confidence and financial stability to her life. Today, she has not only become a support for her family but also a source of inspiration for other women in the village. Through the Rural Livelihood Mission, continuous efforts are being made to connect women in the district with self-employment and empower them economically.
Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, women in the state are moving forward towards self-reliance by joining various schemes. Through the state government’s ambitious Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), positive changes are being seen in the lives of women in rural areas. Mrs. Poonam Devi of Simda village in the Duldula development block of Jashpur district has emerged as an inspiring example of this change.