Raipur: Rural women are setting new examples of self-reliance by joining self-help groups under the Chhattisgarh government's ambitious NRLM (Bihan) scheme. Mrs. Sampatti Prajapati, a resident of Khaprikala village in the Lormi district panchayat of Mungeli district, is an inspiring example, having transformed her life despite limited resources.

Before joining the group, her family's primary source of income was a small hotel business, which barely provided a living. After joining the "Jai Shanidev Women's Self-Help Group," she received credit facilities through a revolving fund, community investment fund, and bank linkage. Using these resources, she expanded her hotel business and also started a Suhaag Bhandaar and kiosk banking. As a result of her hard work, her monthly income has increased from 10,000 rupees to approximately 25,000 rupees. Her annual income has reached approximately 3 lakh rupees, while she earns an additional 1 lakh rupees from agriculture. This journey of economic empowerment has significantly improved her family's standard of living. Today, Sampatti Prajapati has earned herself the nickname "Lakhpati Didi" and is inspiring other women to become self-reliant.