Raipur.  Self-help groups are making remarkable progress towards the economic empowerment of women in Chhattisgarh. With the support of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihar), the women of the Godwana Mahila Self-Help Group of Kotmikala village, in the Pendra Janpad Panchayat of Gaurela Pendra Marwahi district, are on their way to becoming "Lakhpati Didi" by developing a strong source of income through fish farming and water chestnut cultivation.

Last year, the group leased a pond from the Gram Panchayat for an annual fee of 5,000 rupees as a livelihood activity. Using fish seeds worth only 2,000 rupees, the women reaped financial benefits by selling fish worth over 18,000 rupees in a single season. Subsequently, they began cultivating water chestnuts in the same pond, which has significantly increased their income. So far, the women have sold water chestnuts worth 15,000 to 20,000 rupees, while water chestnuts worth approximately 70,000 to 80,000 rupees are currently ready and are being harvested and sold continuously. Group member Mrs. Chameli Bai said that the women also make incense sticks in their free time and are earning extra income by supplying them to local markets and shops.

The Livelihood Service Center established under Bihan in Kotmikala village is providing ongoing support and guidance to the women in the group for agriculture, animal husbandry, and other income-generating activities. Through hard work, collective efforts, and the support of the mission, the women are writing a new chapter of economic self-reliance.