Gayatri Becomes Self-Reliant with an E-Rickshaw

From Self-Employment to Becoming a “Lakhpati Didi”

Raipur, August 2025 : The Central Government’s “Lakhpati Didi Yojana” is bringing a significant change in women’s lives while playing a vital role in their economic empowerment. By joining the State Rural Livelihood Mission, rural women in the district are setting new examples of self-reliance every day. One such inspiring story is that of Mrs. Gayatri Yadav from Otebandha.

Belonging to the “Jai Maa Rani Durgavati Self-Help Group” of Ambagarh Chowki block, Mrs. Yadav was inspired to drive an e-rickshaw with her husband’s support, motivated by her vision of becoming financially independent and innovative. Today, her e-rickshaw, which takes passengers to their destinations, has become her true companion on the road to self-reliance. Through hard work and determination, she has not only achieved financial independence but has also earned the title of “Lakhpati Didi.” This change has led to significant improvements in her family’s health, education, and social status. With the benefits received through her group, Mrs. Yadav is now able to provide good education for her children.

Mrs. Yadav shared that, through this scheme, she has become financially independent and, with the financial assistance from the program and support from the district administration, she is now running her own business. She emphasized that joining a self-help group has boosted women’s confidence and given them opportunities to learn new skills through various activities, as well as guidance for self-employment. She also received loan assistance under the scheme, which helped her start her business. Today, her family is moving towards economic empowerment.

Expressing her gratitude, Mrs. Yadav said that both the Central and State Government schemes for women’s financial empowerment have proved to be life-changing for women like her. She is now able to pull her family out of economic hardship through self-employment and is becoming a source of inspiration for other women in her community. She extended her thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the effective implementation of these schemes.

Recalling her days of struggle, Mrs. Yadav said that earlier her income depended solely on agriculture and daily wage labor, which often led to financial difficulties. But today, by availing benefits from government schemes, she has been able to start her own business as an additional source of income. Along with farming, she now drives her e-rickshaw and earns ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per month, while also contributing actively to her family’s financial well-being.