Under Bihan scheme, 20,982 women have become ‘Lakhpati Didi’ in Balod district. Women’s income has increased through multifaceted livelihoods, training and financial support. Auratola village has become a model of self-reliant rural development by becoming Lakhpati Gram.
Raipur. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission ‘BIHAN’, women of self-help groups are being linked to various livelihood activities, so that they can increase the annual income of their families to Rs 1 lakh or more. Under this effort, so far 20,982 women have been made ‘Lakhpati Didi’ in Balod district.
Lakhpati Gram Concept: Aiming to increase the income of every family
The concept of ‘Lakhpati Gram’ has been developed as an extension of this scheme. Its objective is that every family in the village can earn an income of at least Rs 1 lakh annually. This scheme is being implemented in the district under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma. Its goal is not only to get out of poverty, but also to provide a better standard of living to women by making them self-reliant.
Multidimensional Livelihood Model: Not one, multiple sources of income
Relying on just one income source is not enough to become a millionaire. Therefore, emphasis is being laid on adopting 3-4 different livelihood sources.
These mainly include:
- Advanced Farming: Off season vegetables, cash crops, organic farming
- Animal Husbandry: Dairy, Goat Farming, Poultry Farming, Fish Farming
- Non Agricultural Work: Mushroom production, tailoring, small scale industries
- Skill Development: Training under Prime Minister Skill Development Scheme
Increased income due to financial assistance and market connectivity
A ‘Livelihood Plan’ is being made for every family according to their income and goals. Under financial inclusion, 4054 self-help groups have been given loans of Rs 114 crore, while 801 groups have received loans of Rs 10 crore under Women Led Enterprise Finance. Along with this, the products made by the groups are being sold by setting up stalls in Saras fair, local markets and government offices.
Important role of Aajeevika Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi
‘Aajeevika Sakhi’ and ‘Pashu Sakhi’ have an important role in bringing this scheme to the ground. These women go door-to-door and provide training and technical information, due to which other women also get a chance to move forward.
Auratola becomes the first millionaire village: example of success
Auratola village located in Daundi development block of Balod district has emerged as the first ‘Lakhpati Gram’ of the district. This village has shown that poverty can be defeated with the right guidance and collective effort. The annual income of many women here has exceeded Rs 1 lakh.
Success story: Kumeshwari changed her life through fish farming
Kumeshwari Masiya joined the self-help group and took training in fish farming. He took a loan of Rs 50 thousand and started fish farming in the pond and also started vegetable farming. Today she sells fish twice a year and also earns from vegetables. His annual net income has reached Rs 1 lakh 17 thousand.
Success Story: Lakeshwari Group starts file pad unit
President of Atal Mahila Self-Help Group, Lakeshwari Didi and her team took training in making file pads. He started a small unit by taking a loan of Rs 1 lakh and started selling file pads in the local market and government offices. Now every member is earning an income of Rs 7-8 thousand every month.
Success Story: Lokeshwari Sahu adopted multiple income sources
Lokeshwari Sahu started many works like animal husbandry, tailoring and mushroom production. He bought a Jersey cow by taking a loan of Rs 1 lakh and increased milk production with a balanced diet. Also started earning income from mushroom production and tailoring. Now his total annual income has exceeded Rs 2 lakh 60 thousand.
Monitoring of administration and fast steps towards target
According to District Panchayat CEO Sunil Kumar Chandravanshi, this scheme is being implemented actively. So far, out of the target of 26 thousand, 20,982 women have been made millionaires and the remaining target will also be completed soon. Digital and manual monitoring is being done by preparing micro plans for each family.
Lakhpati Gram: New identity of self-reliant rural India
Lakhpati Gram is not just a statistic but a symbol of rural self-confidence. Auratola village has now become a role model for the entire Chhattisgarh. People from other villages are coming here and understanding this model and trying to adopt it.