Annual income reaches ₹5 lakh
Raipur. Shanti Dugga, a resident of Kurusnar village in the Orchha development block of Narayanpur district, has today become a powerful symbol of rural self-reliance. An active member of the Roshni Self-Help Group and associated with the Pratigya Gram Sangathan, Shanti Dugga has not only strengthened her family's financial situation through Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai's Bihan Yojana, but has also set an inspiring example for other women.
Shanti Dugga joined the self-help group on August 19, 2019. Previously, her family's livelihood depended on agriculture and forest produce collection, which resulted in limited income. After joining the group, she began regular savings. The group received a revolving fund of ₹15,000 and a community investment fund of ₹60,000 from the government, which fostered financial discipline and an understanding of mutual transactions.

Shanti Dugga first started a grocery store with a loan of 1 lakh rupees through a bank linkage. After her business proved successful, she took out a loan of 2.7 lakh rupees and started a textile business. To expand her business, she also purchased a pickup truck. With a regular income, she continued to pay her loan installments and interest on time.With her business steadily growing and her confidence building, Shanti Dugga took out a loan of Rs 6 lakh and purchased a tractor in the third phase. Today, her family's annual income has reached Rs 4 to 5 lakh, significantly improving their standard of living.
Shanti Dugga says that the Bihan Yojana has given her the opportunity to become self-reliant. Today, she is able to provide her children with a good education and improved healthcare. Her success story proves that with proper guidance and support from government schemes, rural women can also set new examples of economic empowerment.