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Surguja Women Go Global: Lakhpati Didi Yojana Fuels Rural Entrepreneurship

The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is transforming the lives of rural women in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district by providing loans and business opportunities. Women are now producing and marketing rural products, competing with larger companies and reaching international markets. A key innovation is the 'Asha Bihan Bazaar' outlet, which sells attractively packaged goods under the unified 'Chattis Kala' brand. This initiative provides a permanent sales platform, moving products from village stoves to city shops and e-commerce sites.

Key Points: Lakhpati Didi Yojana Empowers Chhattisgarh Women Entrepreneurs

  • Loan access enables self-reliance
  • Products gain national & international market access
  • 'Chattis Kala' brand unifies state products
  • New 'Asha Bihan Bazaar' outlet provides sales platform
2 min read

Lakhpati Didi yojana empowering women in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district

Chhattisgarh's Surguja women turn self-reliant, selling rural products globally via the Lakhpati Didi scheme and the new 'Chattis Kala' brand.

"They received a Rs 5 lakh loan... which enabled them to open this shop. - Asha Devi"

Raipur, March 1

The Lakhpati Didi Yojana, launched by the Modi government for the emancipation and empowerment of women, particularly those from rural backgrounds, is giving shape to the dreams and aspirations of crores of middle-class farmers and their families.

In Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, the lives of rural women have undergone a sea-change as the villagers are not switched from stoves to gas cylinders but are also becoming self-reliant and self-employed.

Here, the women are engaging in businesses and are making rural products marketable in the international market to compete with large companies.

The Surguja district administration has introduced another innovation for the betterment of women.

An outlet named Asha Bihan Bazaar has opened, branding and attractively packaging the products of women from self-help groups. These products are now available in city shops and e-commerce sites. The special feature is the Chhattis Kala brand, which allows products produced in different regions of the state to be sold in other districts.

Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Asha Devi was granted a loan of Rs 5 lakh by the National Rural Livelihood Mission, which has now enabled her to become self-reliant.

Asha Devi, from Kishun Nagar village in Surguja, explained that previously, they lacked a permanent place to sell their products. However, they received a Rs 5 lakh loan from the District Panchayat under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which enabled them to open this shop under the name Asha Bihan.

She explained that in this Bihan Bazaar, they sell pure products made in their village, all made by the Didis of the group. Moringa powder, mustard oil from raw mustard oil, cumin flower rice, and tikhur flour are all available here.

District Panchayat CEO Vinay Agarwal explained that the Bihan Didis in Surguja district manufacture a variety of products, but due to a lack of a proper platform and improved branding and packaging, their products were unable to achieve the same market recognition as other products. Therefore, these products will now be sold in attractive packaging under the brand name 'Chattis Kala'.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative, but the real test is sustainability. We've seen many schemes start with fanfare but fizzle out. Hope the market linkage through e-commerce is strong and these women get continuous orders. The loan of 5 lakh is significant, they must be supported to repay it successfully.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in rural development, the focus on branding and packaging is crucial. Tribal and rural artisanal products often lose out due to poor presentation. 'Asha Bihan Bazaar' sounds like a fantastic model that other states should replicate. The products mentioned like Moringa powder have huge health market potential.
A
Aman W
Bahut badhiya! When women become financially independent, the whole family and village prospers. My mother used to make pickles at home, but never thought of selling. Now I see how schemes like this can change mindsets. Jai ho, Lakhpati Didi!
V
Vinay O
A respectful criticism: The article reads like a government press release. It would be more credible if it also talked to a few women about the challenges they still face, or mentioned if there are any interest rates on these loans. Empowerment is more than just a loan; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem.
K
Kriti O
This is the India we want to see growing! From Surguja to the international market - what a journey. I will definitely look for the 'Chattis Kala' brand online. Supporting our local artisans and farmers directly is the best way to shop.

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