North Bastar Kanker: Savita Sahu Becomes a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Through the Bihan Scheme

Entrepreneur Achieves Financial Independence Through Rice Milling and Mushroom Cultivation

North Bastar Kanker, July 2026: Several women associated with the Bihan National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in North Bastar Kanker district are becoming financially self-reliant by taking up various livelihood and entrepreneurial activities. By earning an annual income of more than ₹1 lakh, many of them have achieved the status of ‘Lakhpati Didi’, gaining both financial security and social recognition.

One such inspiring success story is that of Mrs. Savita Sahu, a resident of Sidesar village in Kanker block, who has emerged as a role model for rural women through her determination and entrepreneurial spirit.

Savita Sahu is a member of the Gayatri Self-Help Group, which functions under the Mahanadi Women Cluster Organisation, Makadikhuna. She said that before joining the Bihan Mission, her family’s financial condition was weak. Managing household expenses, educating her children, and meeting even basic daily needs was a constant struggle. Although she aspired to start her own business, she lacked the financial resources to do so.

After learning about the Bihan Scheme, Savita joined the Gayatri Self-Help Group and began participating in regular savings and group meetings. Through the programme, she received financial support in the form of a revolving fund, incentive assistance, and a community investment fund of ₹60,000 to establish livelihood activities. She also learned how to conduct banking transactions and manage finances effectively.

Savita credited the continuous guidance provided by Bihan officials, including the Block Project Manager (BPM), Area Coordinator (AC), and Project Resource Person (PRP), for boosting her confidence and helping her develop entrepreneurial skills. The Bihan team also assisted her in obtaining a Mudra loan from a bank to expand her business.

With the support and training received under the mission, Savita established a rice milling unit (Chatiya Mill) and ventured into mushroom cultivation. Her enterprises proved highly successful, generating an annual income of approximately ₹3 lakh during the financial year 2024-25. In 2025-26, she earned ₹1.21 lakh and is continuing to expand her business operations.

Today, Savita Sahu has not only strengthened her family’s financial position but has also become an inspiration for other rural women. By encouraging them to take up self-employment opportunities and become financially independent, she is helping transform lives within her community.

Her journey reflects the impact of the Bihan National Rural Livelihood Mission, which continues to empower rural women by providing financial assistance, skill development, institutional support, and access to credit, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economic development of their villages.