Eight ‘Bihan Didis’ groups receive vehicles under Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana; initiative aims to generate sustainable income for women while improving transport services in remote villages.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 3,2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday handed over Tata Magic passenger vehicles to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), marking a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment and strengthening rural transportation infrastructure in Bastar.
The vehicles were distributed during a district-level public grievance redressal camp held in Cherpal village as part of the ongoing Sushasan Tihar 2026 programme. The Chief Minister presented the keys to representatives of eight Cluster Level Organizations (CLOs) from the Kuakonda and Katekalyan development blocks and flagged off the vehicles, extending his best wishes to the women beneficiaries.
Officials said the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana, implemented under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (Bihan), seeks to create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas while improving transport connectivity in remote regions. Under the scheme, each Tata Magic vehicle has been provided with a grant assistance of nearly ₹5 lakh.
The initiative is expected to provide regular income to women associated with Self-Help Groups through the operation and management of the vehicles. At the same time, it will help bridge transportation gaps in rural areas by offering affordable and accessible travel options for local residents.
During the programme, officials highlighted the growing impact of the Bihan Mission in strengthening rural livelihoods across the district. More than 41,000 families have been linked with Self-Help Groups and integrated into various income-generating activities. Women are actively engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, forest produce processing, micro-enterprises and other livelihood ventures, contributing significantly to household incomes and local economic development.
The newly inducted vehicles are expected to improve connectivity between remote villages and urban centres, facilitating easier access to markets, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and district headquarters. The enhanced transport network is also likely to support economic activity in underserved areas.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai said the state government remains committed to making women self-reliant and economically empowered. He noted that women associated with Self-Help Groups have emerged as a strong pillar of the rural economy and are playing an increasingly important role in community development.
“Through various government schemes, women are being provided opportunities for employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship. Economic empowerment of women is essential for the overall development of society,” the Chief Minister said.
The women beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support and said the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana would not only generate employment opportunities but also enable them to provide a valuable public service in rural areas. They described the initiative as a major step towards financial independence and inclusive rural development.
With the dual objective of livelihood generation and improved mobility, the scheme is expected to strengthen both women-led entrepreneurship and rural connectivity across the region.
