Kondagaon - Women of Jhatibin Gram Panchayat, within the Farasgaon development block, have set an inspiring example of self-reliance through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, "Bihan." Launched in 2011 by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, this scheme aims to economically empower rural women by organizing them into self-help groups.

Under the leadership of Sushila, President of the Shitala Self-Help Group of Jhatibin village, and Sumitra, Secretary, the production of herbal gulal began on February 2, 2020. The group received financial assistance of ₹2 lakh through bank linkage. So far, the group has produced herbal gulal at a cost of ₹309,900, earning an income of ₹520,300, resulting in a net profit of ₹210,400.

This year, in anticipation of Holi, the women of the group prepared approximately 5 quintals of herbal gulal at a cost of ₹72,750. Made from natural flowers and plants, this gulal is chemical-free, skin-safe, and environmentally friendly. Compared to chemical colors, herbal gulal is less likely to cause skin allergies, irritation, or eye damage. It also doesn't pollute soil or water sources, thereby promoting environmental protection.