Renubala Carving an Identity as a Successful Entrepreneur

Women becoming self-reliant through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (BIHAN)

Raipur, February 2026 : Women who were once confined to the role of homemakers are now establishing their own identities as successful entrepreneurs through hard work and self-confidence. The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (BIHAN) has provided women not only with a collective platform but also a new pathway to economic empowerment.

Mrs. Renubala Jaiswal from Katgodi Gram Panchayat in Sonhat block of Korea district, Chhattisgarh, has today become a living example of this transformation.

A Path to Economic Progress through BIHAN

Renubala first joined a Self-Help Group and later took on the responsibility of President of the Satyam Women Self-Help Group. With the aim of improving her family’s financial condition, she availed a bank loan of ₹3 lakh through the group and started a garment shop. This initiative led to a significant increase in her income and made her financially self-reliant.

Sharing her journey, Renubala said that she initially began as a group member, handling small financial transactions. Over time, the group received ₹60,000 in the form of RF and CIF support. After successfully managing these funds, she expanded her business by taking a bank loan of ₹3 lakh to grow her garment enterprise. Earlier, her family’s annual income was around ₹70,000, which has now increased to over ₹2 lakh.

Social Empowerment Alongside Economic Growth

With financial independence came positive changes in her social life as well. Earlier, she was responsible only for household duties, but today she actively participates in all important family decisions. Along with her family members, she now sells garments at nearby weekly markets and local haats.

Renubala’s journey stands as an inspiration for other rural women, showing how access to institutional support, collective strength, and determination can transform lives and open the doors to entrepreneurship and self-reliance.