Uttar Bastar Kanker 08 July 2024// Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, the lives of women have undergone significant changes through self-help groups. Many rural women have achieved economic self-reliance by joining these groups, with some, inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative, increasing their annual income to more than one lakh rupees, earning them the title of “Lakhpati Didi.” One such achiever is Smt. Savita Sahu from Sidesar village in the Kanker development block. She decided to initiate her own enterprise by joining the Gayatri Self Help Group in 2012, eventually establishing a mini rice mill in 2021 with a loan of Rs 10 lakh under the self-employment scheme and an additional Rs 5 lakh from Bihan.
Smt. Savita Sahu shared her journey, stating, “Initially, our group made dona-pattal, then ventured into mushroom production. To boost my income further, I started thinking about starting my own business.” Encouraged by ADEO and BPM, she took a loan under the Pradhan Mantri Swarojgar Yojana, realizing her dream of owning a mini rice mill. Today, with the support of her husband Shri Gautam Sahu, she efficiently manages the mill, generating an income of nearly Rs 45,000 per month. “We diligently repay the installments; only Rs 5 lakh of the Rs 10 lakh bank loan remains,” she added. “After installment deductions, we earn between Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 monthly. This has significantly increased our family’s annual income, allowing us to provide a better life for our household.”
Smt. Sahu has not only empowered herself but also inspires other women in her community. “Through our group, I educate fellow villagers about financial literacy and assist them in starting their own businesses and improving agricultural practices,” she said. Her success story highlights the transformative impact of self-help groups and government schemes, for which she expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for their visionary initiatives under the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Swarojgar Yojana.
