Self-help group transformed Poonam Devi's life, became an inspiration for women as 'Lakhpati Didi'

Raipur, The women empowerment and self-employment oriented schemes run under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai are bringing positive changes in the lives of rural women. Women in Jashpur district are becoming economically self-reliant through the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan). In this series, Mrs. Poonam Devi from Simda village in Duldula development block has emerged as a new example of success.

Poonam Devi, a member of the Ganesh Mahila Self-Help Group, has carved a niche for herself today as a 'Lakhpati Didi'. Poonam Devi, who once depended on labor for her family's livelihood, gave a new direction to her life by joining a self-help group. Through the group, she got information about savings, loan facilities, and self-employment opportunities, which opened the path to self-reliance.

Seeing other women in the group succeeding in various livelihood activities, she also decided to move forward. In March 2025, she obtained a loan of 1 lakh rupees under the Mudra scheme and expanded her grocery store with this amount. As a result of operating the business in an organized manner, her income has continuously increased.

Currently, her grocery store is achieving sales of approximately 30 to 35 thousand rupees per month. With this, she is able to meet the financial needs of her family and also spend better on her children's education.

Poonam Devi says that after joining the self-help group, her confidence has increased and she has also achieved financial stability. Today, she is not only a strong support for her family but is also inspiring other women in the village to take up self-employment and become self-reliant.

Efforts are continuously being made through the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) to connect women in Jashpur district with self-employment, financial assistance, and skill development, thereby giving new momentum to women's empowerment in rural areas.