Lakhpati Didi Khileshwari to Attend Independence Day Celebrations in New Delhi as Special Guest

Inspiring Women Across the State to Become Self-Reliant
Expresses Gratitude for Implementation of Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Raipur, Aug 2025 : Khileshwari, from Gabdi village in the Gundardehi development block of Balod district, has not only set an example of self-reliance through her hard work and determination but is now set to participate as a special guest in the Independence Day celebrations to be held in New Delhi. Known as “Lakhpati Didi,” her achievement is a matter of pride not only for her but for the entire Balod district. Her presence as a special guest at the 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2025, in New Delhi will be a historic moment.

A member of the Jai Santoshi Self-Help Group formed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), Khileshwari’s family earlier relied mainly on agricultural labor. However, her determination to uplift her family gave her a new identity. Through her enterprise and effort, she has scripted a new chapter in rural economic transformation. Under the Bihan scheme, she began poultry farming and running a grocery store, which strengthened her family’s financial condition and earned her an annual income in lakhs, securing her the title of “Lakhpati Didi.”

After joining the Bihan mission, she took the initiative to form women’s groups and was selected as a Community Resource Person for financial literacy, helping women in her area gain financial knowledge. Through her efforts, local groups secured bank loans exceeding ₹2 crore. For this service, she received a monthly honorarium of ₹6,360. Alongside farming, she expanded into poultry farming, fish farming, a grocery store, and a fancy goods shop. Using both her own funds and the Community Investment Fund provided under the mission, she built poultry sheds and purchased equipment such as drinker feeders. Altogether, these activities earned her an annual income of ₹4.6 lakh.

Once confined to her home, Khileshwari Devangan has now become an inspiration for other women in the region, thanks to her determination and the support of the Bihan scheme. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, stating that these government schemes gave her both confidence and resources. “Poultry farming and my grocery store have changed my life. Today, I have the honor of attending the Independence Day celebrations in Delhi — this is a great privilege for me,” she said. She also thanked the Balod district administration, emphasizing that with continued support, rural women are now becoming self-reliant and establishing their own identity.