Manendragarh-Bharatpur-Chirmiri. Mrs. Sukhmanti Baiga, a resident of Ramgarh Gram Panchayat in the district, has today become a powerful symbol of women's empowerment, self-reliance, and self-employment. Her life has undergone remarkable transformation since joining the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan). Previously, her family's income was limited and she faced financial difficulties. Today, through her hard work and the support provided by the scheme, she is earning a respectable livelihood.
The National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) is being implemented by the central government with the aim of empowering rural poor families, especially women, to become self-reliant. Women have developed leadership skills, self-confidence, and the ability to implement government programs at the grassroots level. Women have become empowered and are now leaders. The Bihan scheme plays a major role in the success of these women, as joining this scheme has given them so much courage.
Sukhmanti Baiga is an active member of the Changmata Self-Help Group. In December 2020, she received a loan of ₹50,000 through bank linkage. With this amount, she started a small grocery shop in her village. In the early days, she faced challenges such as limited resources and lack of experience. However, with the training provided by the Bihan Yojana, the collective strength of the group, and her own self-confidence, she gradually strengthened her business.
Today, her grocery shop generates a regular income of approximately ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 per month. This income allows her to meet her family's daily needs, focus on her children's education, and save for the future. Along with becoming financially strong, her self-confidence has also increased, and she is playing an active role in social activities. Sukhmanti Baiga is now inspiring other women in her village to join self-help groups and become self-reliant. Her success story proves that with the right guidance, training, and opportunities, rural women can become self-reliant, bringing positive change to society and becoming a powerful example of women's empowerment.