From Multiple Livelihoods to Prosperity: Rebecca Emerges as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’

Raipur, February 2026: The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is a poverty alleviation initiative implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. The scheme focuses on promoting self-employment and organizing the rural poor by bringing them into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and empowering them to become self-reliant.

Mrs. Rebecca of Chilma Gram Panchayat in Balrampur district has transformed the direction of her life through confidence, hard work, and the strength of collective effort. Once dependent on daily wage labour, her family struggled with financial hardship due to limited income. Today, through diversified livelihood activities, Rebecca earns approximately ₹1.71 lakh annually and has earned recognition in her region as a “Lakhpati Didi.”

Rebecca began her journey by joining the Swayam Shakti Women Self-Help Group under the Bihan Mission (State Rural Livelihoods Mission). Through the group, she learned the importance of regular savings, internal lending, and received training related to self-employment. With loans accessed via the SHG, she initiated multiple income-generating activities, including horticulture, goat rearing, poultry farming, running a grocery shop, and agricultural work.

By adopting a multi-dimensional livelihood model, Rebecca created several sources of income, ensuring stability and sustainability in her earnings. As her income grew, her family’s financial condition strengthened significantly. She is now able to provide better education for her children, ensure proper nutrition, and comfortably meet household needs.

Rebecca shares that after associating with the Bihan Mission, she gained not only financial support but also confidence and managerial skills. Today, as a self-reliant woman, she inspires other women in her community to join self-help groups and adopt self-employment as a pathway to economic independence.