- Didi became a millionaire through pickle business, earning around Rs 1.30 lakh annually.
- Financial support from Bihan Yojana, now active in social service along with livelihood
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is providing livelihood opportunities to rural women through the Bihan Yojana to empower them economically. By joining the scheme, women are adopting self-employment and leading change in their villages. Mrs. Neelam Awasthi of Petamara (Ankira) village in the Farsabahar development block is an inspiring example.
Once hesitant to speak publicly, Neelam now speaks boldly at village meetings. Along with her pickle-making business, she oversees the midday meal service at the school and raises awareness among villagers through an anti-drug campaign. The transformation in Neelam’s life began in January 2019, when she joined the Rohini Self-Help Group under the Bihan Yojana and became its secretary. Through participation in group meetings and activities, she gained new knowledge about savings, loans, accounting, and livelihood training. Working alongside the women in the group also boosted her confidence.
With the support she received from the group, she expanded her pickle business.
Through her self-help group, Neelam received ₹30,000 through bank linkage and ₹160,000 through Community Investment Fund (CIF). She used this money to expand her pickle-making business. She established her reputation by producing a variety of pickles, including mango, ginger, garlic, and bitter gourd. As her products gained popularity, demand also grew.
She earns a regular income from serving midday meals at the school. Through these activities, Neelam earns approximately ₹130,000 annually. Through her hard work and self-reliance, she has earned herself a reputation as Lakhpati Didi in her village.
With confidence, she also leads social service.
The opportunity to visit the Assembly gave Neelam a new direction in her experiences and thinking. It boosted her self-confidence and gave her confidence in her abilities. Today, she actively participates in the anti-drug campaign, raising awareness among villagers. She also takes the lead in spreading information about the Chhattisgarh government’s public welfare schemes and helping those in need. Neelam’s activism is inspiring other women in the village to join self-help groups and start livelihood activities. She believes that if women move forward unitedly, the path to success becomes easier. She advises other women to join groups, save money, seek training, and pursue self-employment.
Neelam Awasthi’s story demonstrates that with the right guidance, collective effort, and strong will, rural women can become economically independent and also lead social change. Once hesitant to speak her mind, Neelam has now become the voice of the village and an inspiration to many women.