Self-help groups, government schemes and livelihood initiatives helping rural women achieve financial independence and social recognition
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 7, 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, inspiring examples of women’s empowerment are emerging from different districts of Chhattisgarh, where women are steadily moving towards economic self-reliance and social leadership through the support of government schemes and collective efforts through self-help groups.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government has placed strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, safety and dignity. As part of this vision, the government has declared the current year as ‘Mahatari Gaurav Varsh’, focusing on strengthening the social and economic status of women across the state. Through a combination of welfare schemes, livelihood missions and community initiatives, thousands of women in rural and tribal areas are transforming their lives and becoming role models in their communities.
One of the most notable success stories has emerged from Surguja district, where construction activities under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have created new entrepreneurial opportunities for rural women. More than 650 women in the district have entered the centering plate business related to house construction and are collectively operating over 1,000 centering plate sets. Apart from this, 271 women are earning regular incomes through brick manufacturing, while several others have started small businesses dealing in cement and steel rods used in construction work. Through these initiatives, as many as 319 women in the district have successfully achieved the status of “Lakhpati Didi,” earning more than one lakh rupees annually.
Meanwhile, a special programme titled “Mahatari Vandan Mahila Samman Utsav” will be organised in Dhamtari district on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women across different sectors. The event will honour women and self-help groups who have demonstrated outstanding performance in entrepreneurship, social service and community development. A key highlight of the programme will be a two-way interactive dialogue between the Chief Minister and women representatives from the district, enabling them to share their experiences, challenges and success stories directly with the state leadership.
Individual success stories from different regions of the state further highlight the positive transformation taking place. In Raigarh district, Gayatri Yadav of Talgaon village in the Dharamjaigarh development block has emerged as an inspiring example of grassroots leadership. After joining the Bihan Mission, she strengthened her financial position and played a significant role in connecting women from eight panchayats with self-help groups and livelihood activities. Her efforts have helped many rural women gain access to credit, training and income-generating opportunities.
In Balod district, the establishment of a Mahatari Sadan in Karrejhar village under the Gurur development block has created a vibrant hub for women’s empowerment. The centre provides space for meetings, training sessions, storage and marketing of products prepared by women’s groups. Through this platform, rural women are learning new skills, organising their businesses and expanding their economic activities, which has significantly increased their income.
Across the state, women are transforming their lives by joining self-help groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. In Korba district, Savitri Oraon from Sargbundiya village in the Kartala development block has become a symbol of determination and self-reliance. Despite facing financial difficulties, she joined a self-help group and started a small textile business with government support. Through consistent effort and community support, she has been able to improve her family’s financial condition and inspire other women in her village to pursue entrepreneurship.
Similarly, Poonam Devi from Simda village in the Duldula development block of Jashpur district has become widely known as a “Lakhpati Didi.” Earlier engaged in household work and manual labour, she joined the Ganesh Mahila Self-Help Group and began saving regularly. Inspired by other women involved in activities such as fish farming and goat rearing, she applied for a loan under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and received financial support of ₹1 lakh. She used the amount to expand her grocery shop, which is now generating steady income for her family.
Another inspiring example comes from Garhpichhwadi village in Kanker district, where tribal woman Sago Teta has achieved financial independence through agriculture. By participating in government training programmes and using modern farming techniques, she increased her agricultural productivity and established herself as a successful “Lakhpati Didi.”
In Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, Brihaspati Dhurve from Sadhwani village joined a self-help group and started mushroom cultivation and vegetable farming. Through dedication and careful planning, her annual income has now reached approximately ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh, allowing her to meet household needs and provide better education for her children.
Women are also contributing significantly to social development initiatives. In Budar Gram Panchayat of Baikunthpur block in Koriya district, women such as Anjani, Hiramani, Leelavathi and Mittal are working as “Swachhata Didi.” They visit households twice a week to collect garbage and educate villagers about waste segregation and sanitation practices, playing a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy village environment.
Similarly, in Mamadpal Munga Gram Panchayat of Bastar district, Dashmi Nag has transformed her life after joining a self-help group. Once dependent on daily wage labour, she now earns a stable income through farming, vegetable cultivation and animal husbandry, establishing herself as another successful “Lakhpati Didi.”
Community-driven initiatives are also improving health and nutrition in rural areas. In Ani village of Baikunthpur development block in Koriya district, members of the Jyoti Mahila Self-Help Group and the Maa Sharda Self-Help Group have started preparing nutritious laddus known as “Koriya Modak.” These are distributed to pregnant women to improve maternal nutrition and reduce the incidence of low birth weight among newborns.
Government welfare schemes are also directly supporting women’s financial independence. Farida Begum, a resident of Naharpara in Kondagaon district, is benefiting from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, which provides regular financial assistance to women and encourages them to lead dignified and economically secure lives.
These inspiring stories from across Chhattisgarh demonstrate how the combined impact of government initiatives, community support and women’s determination is bringing significant social and economic change. As the state prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, the achievements of these women stand as powerful examples of resilience, leadership and self-reliance, reinforcing the growing role of women in the state’s development journey.
