Article: Shashiratna Parashar
19 October 2024Bemetara
Unique efforts are being made in Bemetara district to make women self-reliant and self-sufficient. In this direction, under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, women are being provided a strong foundation so that they can become financially and socially capable. An excellent example of these efforts being made by the District Women and Child Development Department is the Jhalak Mahila Self Help Group. This group is not only a symbol of economic empowerment, but also an inspirational step towards community development and self-reliance.
Beginnings and training
Mrs. Gayatri Soni, President of Jhalak Jhankar Mahila Self Help Group, says that the journey of the group started at the end of August 2024 when the district administration, in the presence of the Collector, trained the group to make Phulbati from cotton on a machine. This training proved to be a turning point for the women. Under this, not only technical training was provided, but financial assistance was also given so that the women could buy raw materials and machines.
During the training, women were taught the method of making phulbati, which is a simple process yet can be economically profitable, especially during the festive season. After finishing their daily household chores, women make phulbati from the machine, thereby increasing their income. This scheme has provided a solid way to become self-reliant to those women who were earlier limited to only household work.
Economic Empowerment and Marketing
The women of the group started their work by making proper use of the training and financial assistance. They bought raw material and started making phoolbaati at a fast pace. Diwali festival is near and the women are working diligently to capitalize on this opportunity.
Seeing the increasing demand for Phulbati, they started getting good orders from the local market. Along with this, the group also started marketing at the local level, which increased their income significantly. Officials of the district administration also purchased their products, which encouraged them further. Thus, the women of the group were not only performing household chores but also improving their economic status in the society.
Steps towards self-reliance
This work of making phoolbaati will bring positive changes in the lives of the women of Jhalak Mahila Self Help Group. Earlier, women who were confined to their homes, are now managing their own work and making their mark in the society. This work has given them an opportunity to become self-reliant and has also strengthened their economic condition.
Group President Mrs. Gayatri Soni said that the women have become confident due to the training and financial assistance received under this scheme. They have proved that if given the right direction and opportunity, women can face every challenge and become financially empowered.
Challenges and Solutions
Initially, the women of Jhalak Mahila Self Help Group faced some challenges like availability of raw material and competition in the market. But the group resolved these problems with their unity and hard work. They focused on their quality and gave priority to customer satisfaction. Along with this, the district administration also helped them and provided them further assistance under various government schemes.
The women of the group made the best use of technical knowledge and financial assistance to empower themselves. This not only improved their economic condition, but they also set a new example for their family and society.
Future plans
The women of Jhalak Mahila Self Help Group are now moving towards bigger goals. They are also planning to manufacture other products besides Phoolbati, so that their income can be further increased. The group has also decided that they will connect more women to this scheme in the coming time, so that they too get an opportunity to become self-reliant.
The group members believe that Lakhpati Didi Yojana has brought a golden opportunity in their lives, and they are committed to take full advantage of this opportunity.
conclusion
The story of Jhalak Mahila Self Help Group shows that if women are provided with the right guidance and resources, they can make any change possible in their lives. The assistance and training received under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana changed the lives of these women.
This story is not only about the economic empowerment of women, but also about their self-confidence, hard work and collective efforts. These women of Bemetara district have become self-reliant and have become a source of inspiration for themselves and other women.
