National Rural Livelihoods Mission: Sushmita Jatwar Becomes Self-Reliant After Breaking Free from Debt

Raipur, January 2026 : An inspiring example of the efforts being made under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) to make women self-reliant has emerged from Barduli Gram Panchayat in Patharia development block of Mungeli district under the Bihan scheme. The journey of Mrs. Sushmita Jatwar, a member of the Satkar Women Self-Help Group, from struggle to success has become a source of motivation for rural women.

Before joining the self-help group, Mrs. Sushmita Jatwar’s financial condition was extremely weak. The family income was limited, and she had to depend on small, irregular jobs to earn a livelihood. To meet household needs, borrowing money from local moneylenders at high interest rates became unavoidable, which steadily increased the financial burden on her family.

After becoming associated with the Satkar Women Self-Help Group under NRLM, a positive transformation took place in her life. Through the group, she received Rs 15,000 as revolving fund assistance and a bank-linked loan of Rs 50,000. She invested this amount in agricultural activities by cultivating her own land as well as leasing land from other farmers. Alongside farming, she also started a small business.

At present, Mrs. Sushmita Jatwar is cultivating vegetables such as okra, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and tomatoes, which are sold in the local market. This initiative has led to a significant increase in her monthly income. Earlier, her income was around Rs 3,000 per month, which has now risen to nearly Rs 50,000 per month.

With financial empowerment, the living standards of her family have also improved. There has been a positive change in her children’s education and access to healthcare facilities. She has repaid the loans taken from moneylenders and today stands as a self-reliant woman, guiding and inspiring other women in her community.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Sushmita Jatwar plans to expand her business further and, as a Bank Sakhi, motivate more rural women to join self-help groups and move towards economic independence.