Aadhaar services help Chhattisgarh woman become self-reliant
Sangita Singh’s journey from self-help group member to rural service provider becomes example of women’s empowerment
Raipur, March 12, 2026: Sangita Singh, a resident of Dudhashi village in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district of Chhattisgarh, has emerged as an inspiring example of women’s empowerment after becoming self-reliant by providing Aadhaar-linked and banking services in her village.
Her journey reflects how government initiatives and self-help group support are enabling rural women to become financially independent while contributing to the development of their communities.
Under various livelihood promotion programmes, self-help groups are being provided low-interest loans, training and skill development opportunities. These initiatives allow women to start small economic activities such as farming, animal husbandry, tailoring and Aadhaar-linked services. As a result, many women are not only strengthening their household incomes but are also gaining confidence and social recognition through self-reliance.
Government and district administration efforts are focused on empowering women in rural areas and integrating them into the mainstream of development. Officials say that when women are provided with the right opportunities, resources and guidance, they can transform not only their own lives but also contribute significantly to the progress of society.
Sangita Singh’s story reflects this transformation. With determination and hard work, she has built a new identity for herself in her village.
Beginning as BC Sakhi
Sangita Singh began working as a BC Sakhi in 2021, providing basic banking services in her village. Through her work, residents started gaining easier access to financial services that were earlier difficult to obtain locally.
Before the introduction of these services, villagers often had to travel long distances to nearby towns or block headquarters for tasks such as withdrawing money, depositing funds or completing banking formalities. The availability of these services within the village has saved time and travel expenses for many residents while making banking more accessible.
Sangita Singh said she initially took a loan of ₹68,000 from her self-help group under the Bihan Yojana to begin her work. With this financial assistance, she was able to set up the necessary facilities to provide banking services.
She recalled that the initial phase of her work was challenging, as villagers were not familiar with the system and building trust took time. However, through consistent effort, patience and dedication, she gradually earned the confidence of the community. Today, villagers regularly approach her for various banking services.
Aadhaar kit for expanded services
Recognising her dedication and performance, the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district administration decided to entrust her with additional responsibilities.
As part of an initiative to expand Aadhaar-related services in tribal and remote areas, the administration is setting up five new Aadhaar centres in the district. Under this initiative, Sangita Singh was provided with an Aadhaar kit along with a laptop to help her deliver digital identity services to the community.
The Aadhaar kit was formally handed over to her by district authorities, enabling her to expand the range of services she provides.
Services now available within the village
With the Aadhaar kit, Sangita Singh will now be able to provide Aadhaar-related services not only in her own village but also to people from surrounding areas. These services include new Aadhaar enrolments, updating Aadhaar details and assisting residents with other essential digital identity processes.
The initiative will reduce the need for villagers to travel to distant towns for routine Aadhaar-related work. Instead, they will be able to access these services conveniently within or near their villages.
Inspiration for rural women
Sangita Singh’s journey has become an inspiration for many women in the region. Her experience demonstrates how access to financial support, training and opportunities can help women achieve independence and confidence.
Local officials said her story sends a strong message that women, when provided with the right support, can play a crucial role not only in supporting their families but also in strengthening rural economies and community development.
The Bihan programme, under which she received support, aims to reduce poverty by building strong institutions for the poor, particularly women. It focuses on strengthening self-help groups and ensuring that women have access to financial resources, livelihood opportunities and essential services.
Through such initiatives, women like Sangita Singh are becoming agents of change in rural areas, helping expand financial inclusion and digital services while inspiring others to pursue self-reliance.
