TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 13, 2025: Women from self-help groups (SHGs) across Chhattisgarh who demonstrated outstanding achievements under the State Rural Livelihood Mission were felicitated during the “More Housing, More Rights” programme held in Ambikapur. Union Rural Development and Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, along with Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, presented certificates and mementos to the women, recognising their inspiring contributions to community development and economic self-reliance.
Union Minister Shri Chauhan, while addressing the gathering, announced an ambitious target to transform over four lakh women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’, referring to SHG members earning an annual income above one lakh rupees. He praised the women for their role in strengthening rural livelihoods and contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India.
Inspiring Stories of Empowerment
Among the women honoured was Smt. Baleshwari Yadav, BC Sakhi from Losangi village in Lakhanpur block of Surguja, who has enabled banking services in five gram panchayats and facilitated transactions worth Rs 11.24 crore.
Smt. Ambe Das, Gender Resource Person from Kevari Gram Panchayat, was recognised for resolving 37 cases of domestic violence and rescuing three victims of human trafficking through the local Mahila Sangathan.
Mrs. Nirmala Ekka, from Sanjeevani Self Help Group in Mendra Kala village, Ambikapur block, was felicitated as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ for establishing a successful centering plate and mixer business that supplies materials for homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Her peer, Mrs. Babita Yadav of Chanda SHG, was lauded for starting a cement and gravel supply business, becoming a dependable contributor to local construction work and repaying her loan on time.
Another notable achiever, Mrs. Chandni Singh from Radha Mahila SHG in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, was applauded for earning Rs 2.5 lakh annually through poultry and vegetable farming using funds from a community investment initiative.
Empowering Rural Livelihoods
The event also saw the distribution of livelihood-support equipment. Under the Shakambhari Yojana, 2 HP pumps were provided to farmers Brij Kumar and Moharlal Singh of Kotiya village to support agricultural activities.
Prominent dignitaries present included Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary, Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, along with Members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior officials.
This recognition programme underscores the government’s commitment to empowering rural women and promoting sustainable livelihood models through self-help group movements across the state.
