Raipur, December 4, 2025 — The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), known in Chhattisgarh as the Bihan scheme, continues to empower rural women through sustainable livelihood opportunities. One such inspiring success story is that of Sumatiya, a resident of Govardhanpur village in Wadrafnagar block of Balrampur district, who is now widely recognised as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ for achieving financial independence and earning nearly ₹1 lakh annually.
Sumatiya is an active member of the Genda Mahila Self-Help Group. Before joining Bihan, her life revolved around household chores and agriculture, leaving little scope to improve her family’s financial condition. With the help of bank credit linkage under the scheme, she gathered the confidence to start a small grocery shop, which gradually became a steady source of income.
She shared that the continuous support and guidance provided by the SHG and Bihan helped her run the shop efficiently and manage her agricultural activities more effectively. Today, she also serves as a Bank Sakhi, promoting financial literacy among rural communities and assisting villagers with banking services.
Expressing her gratitude, Sumatiya said she never imagined she would one day be counted among the ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Her role as a Bank Sakhi not only boosted her confidence but also brought significant improvements in her family’s economic condition.
She now regularly helps villagers access information about government schemes, giving her a sense of social responsibility and community service. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, she said the Bihan scheme has given her a new identity and a new direction in life.
