Kumar Bahukhandi
The ‘Sai Baba Group’ Sees Growing Livelihood Opportunities in Construction Works
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihoods Mission—popularly known as ‘Bihan’—is a flagship program aimed at poverty reduction and the economic empowerment of women in rural areas.
It serves as the implementing agency in Chhattisgarh for the Government of India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The mission focuses on creating sustainable and diversified self-employment opportunities for rural poor families—particularly women—with the objective of enhancing their income levels.
The ‘Bihan’ scheme (Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihoods Mission), which plays a pivotal role in strengthening the rural economy of Chhattisgarh, is emerging as a powerful catalyst for social and economic transformation in the lives of women.
The story of Sakina—a resident of Dadgaon in the Udaipur block, affiliated with the Sahara Livelihood Cluster—has today become a source of inspiration for other women. Sakina, who once used to feel intimidated at the mere thought of visiting a bank, is now not only successfully managing her own business through a Self-Help Group (SHG) but is also setting a new precedent for self-reliance.
The Power of Convergence: Mixer Machine Received Through DMF Funds
The synergistic coordination among various government schemes is driving significant change at the grassroots level. In line with this effort, and acting on an initiative by the District Administration, cement mixer machines have been provided to various groups utilizing funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
One such machine was allocated to the ‘Sai Baba Group’—part of the ‘Ramgarh’ Village Organisation—of which Sakina is a member. Under this initiative, financial assistance and training are provided to foster entrepreneurship within rural communities.
Increased Participation in Construction Works, Enhanced Income
Sakina shared that she had availed a loan of ₹60,000 from her group to expand her livelihood activities. The mixer machine and shuttering plates received by the group have now become her primary source of income.
Currently, there is a high demand for her mixer machine and shuttering plates for the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme) currently underway in rural areas.
She said that, after deducting transportation and other expenses, the group is currently generating a daily income of 6,000 to 7,000 rupees.
A Journey Filled with Self-Confidence: The Hesitation to Visit Banks Has Vanished
Attributing her success to the ‘Bihan’ scheme, Sakina says, “Previously, I used to feel intimidated even by the thought of visiting a bank; however, after joining the group, I have become both aware and proactive. Now, I no longer need to hold out my hand to anyone for help; I am self-reliant. I now also inspire other women to become self-dependent.”
Laying the Foundation for a Bright Future for Her Children
Sakina’s financial stability has had a direct and positive impact on her family. Her daughter is now attending college, while her son is pursuing his high school education. Sakina notes that, thanks to her newfound financial independence, her children’s education is now proceeding smoothly and without any interruptions.
Efforts are currently underway to empower women to become self-reliant and to help them increase their annual income to over 100,000 rupees.
Expressing Gratitude to the Government for the Scheme
Expressing her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for her success and self-reliance, Sakina remarked that these government schemes have not only provided rural women with employment opportunities but have also bestowed upon them a dignified and respected identity within society.
