Ganga Bai Transforms Her Family’s Future with an E-Rickshaw

Raipur : From resolve to self-reliance — the inspiring journey of a women’s self-help group in Mahasamund has showcased how determination, proper guidance, and government schemes can uplift entire families. Ganga Bai Nirmalkar, a resident of Ward No. 11 in Mahasamund district headquarters, has proved this by transforming her family’s fortunes through a small yet significant step.

Under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), a self-help group of ten women was formed and provided with a bank loan of ₹3 lakh under government support schemes. Ganga Bai, one of the group members, used this financial aid to improve her family’s economic situation.

Her husband, Dujaram Nirmalkar, worked in dry cleaning and collected clothes from homes using an old two-wheeler. Rain and dust would often affect the quality of clothes, leading to dissatisfied customers and declining income. Seeing this challenge as an opportunity, Ganga Bai decided to purchase an electric e-rickshaw with the group loan.

Now, using the e-rickshaw, she safely collects clothes, maintaining their quality and saving time. This saved time is utilized by Dujaram to transport school children and teachers, which has raised his monthly income to ₹5,000–₹6,000. Meanwhile, Ganga Bai earns ₹7,000–₹8,000 a month through dry cleaning and ironing work.

Together, this couple has become a symbol of self-reliance. They not only provide quality education to their children but also motivate other women to join self-help groups and benefit from government schemes. Additionally, they have availed schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and health insurance.

Dujaram proudly says, “By joining a women’s group, my wife empowered our family. Every woman should try to do the same — this is true self-reliance.”