Raipur: Women of Kondagaon District Writing a New Story of Success

Empowered Through ‘Bihan,’ They Are Strengthening Their Families Economically with Hard Work and Dedication

Raipur : Women in Kondagaon district are breaking traditional barriers and emerging as successful entrepreneurs through various government schemes aimed at their welfare and empowerment. The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) – ‘Bihan’ has played a crucial role in making rural women self-reliant. These women are no longer confined to their homes; they are engaging in agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, weaving, small businesses, and shopkeeping, thereby increasing their income and improving their families’ economic conditions.

Many women in the district have leveraged these government initiatives to transform their lives. Here are a few inspiring stories of women who joined ‘Bihan’ and strengthened their families financially while setting an example of self-reliance.

Chandrika Markam: A Symbol of Self-Sufficiency

Chandrika Markam, a resident of Ondari village, Makdi block, began her journey towards self-reliance in 2014 by joining the Maa Shakti Self-Help Group under the NRLM-Bihan scheme. Initially, her family’s income from agriculture was insufficient to meet their needs.

Her life changed significantly after joining the self-help group. With financial assistance from Bihan, she started a dairy business, gradually expanding it into a stable source of income. Currently, she earns ₹2,18,000 annually from various livelihood activities, including dairy farming and agriculture. Additionally, with support from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, she receives ₹18,166 per month, ensuring her family’s financial stability. Today, she can meet her family’s needs without difficulty and provide a good education for her children. Her journey from financial struggle to independence serves as an inspiration to other women in the district.

Santoshi Devangan: Strengthening Her Family Through a Clothing Business

Santoshi Devangan, a resident of Hirapur village, Makdi block, faced financial hardships after marriage. Her husband ran a small shop, but their income was insufficient. Lack of capital prevented them from starting a new venture.

In 2017, Santoshi joined the Jai Maa Dharti Self-Help Group along with 10 other women. Through community savings and a bank linkage loan of ₹8.51 lakh, she established a clothing shop. Over time, her customer base grew, and she now earns around ₹18,000 per month. She also benefits from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, further securing her family’s financial future. With a stable business, she supports her children’s education and contributes significantly to her family’s economic well-being.

Anita Mandavi: Gaining Recognition Through Poultry & Quail Farming

Anita Mandavi from Dhanora village, Keshkal block, was previously dependent on daily wages and farming. In 2018, she joined the Jai Ambe Self-Help Group, and in 2022, she started poultry and quail farming.

With ₹1.5 lakh financial assistance from a bank and the community investment fund, she invested ₹1 lakh to start her business. Today, her monthly income has reached ₹20,000. She also benefits from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, receiving an additional ₹1,000 per month. Alongside farming and labor work, she has earned ₹3 lakh in net profits so far. Now, Anita not only supports her family but also motivates other women to become self-reliant.

Dayawati Devangan: Becoming a Millionaire Through Advanced Farming

Dayawati Devangan from Bafna village has embraced modern farming techniques to achieve financial success. By utilizing the IFC Cluster program, she started vegetable cultivation and has earned over ₹1 lakh, earning her the title of “Lakhpati Didi” (Millionaire Sister).

She cultivates chilies, beans, onions, and gourds on her one-acre farm. Initially, traditional farming methods yielded low production, but after adopting drip irrigation, her output increased while conserving water. She also uses organic fertilizers to grow fresh, healthy vegetables.

Dayawati is a member of the Jai Maa Sharda Self-Help Group. Previously, her family struggled to survive on agriculture alone, but after joining the group and becoming an “Agriculture Sakhi” (Farming Guide), she started modern farming, leading to substantial income growth. She also receives ₹3,000 per month under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and ₹6,000 annually from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. With a strengthened financial position, she is now able to provide quality education for her children.

These success stories highlight how government schemes like Bihan are transforming the lives of rural women, making them self-reliant and financially independent. Women across Kondagaon district are proving that with determination, hard work, and the right support, they can overcome challenges and achieve economic stability.