Empowering Women in Jhansi: The Success Stories of Lakhpati Didis
In the heart of rural India, self-help groups (SHGs) are transforming the lives of women, empowering them to become ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women earning over a lakh of rupees through their entrepreneurial efforts. Through initiatives like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), these women are gaining financial independence and earning respect within their communities.
Nav Srijan Mahila Swayam Sahayta Samuh
Akanksha Tamrekar, a member of the Nav Srijan Mahila Swayam Sahayta Samuh from Simrawari village in Jhansi, makes home decor items from old newspapers. She said, ‘In our group, we make more than 100 products, including paper dolls, lamps, baskets, and garlands. We sell our products at government fairs and online.’
Akanksha received the Uttar Pradesh State Award for making a nine-foot paper doll in 2019-20. She added, ‘Since childhood, I had a passion for creating new things. After joining NRLM, we received financial assistance and opportunities to participate in various fairs, including international trade fairs in Delhi.’
Shakuntala Kushwaha’s Journey
Shakuntala Kushwaha, who makes mats, said, ‘I have been doing this work since 2015 and teach other women. Initially, I invested Rs 50,000, and now I earn over Rs 1 lakh. The government provides CCL (Cash Credit Linkage) funds, which I use and return.’
Meera’s Success with Papads and Chips
Meera, who makes bari, papad, and chips, said, ‘There are 12 women in my group. We started the papad business in 2015. We sell our products at home and at fairs. We have earned around Rs 50,000 so far.’
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s felicitation of Lakhpati Didis on August 25, 2024, in Maharashtra, Meera said, ‘We are very happy. The respect we receive is what truly matters.’
Deepa Majumdar’s Bag Business
Deepa Majumdar, who makes bags, said, ‘I have been making bags for five years. We attend every fair organised by the government, and there is no expense for us. This has been very beneficial for me; I have earned lakhs of rupees.’
Heera Devi’s Purses
Heera Devi, who makes purses, said, ‘I have been with this group since 2015. We now earn Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 yearly. Earlier, we used to sit at home, but now we make bags.’
Doubts Revealed
Jhansi -: Jhansi is a city in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its historical significance and is famous for the brave queen Rani Lakshmibai.
Lakhpati Didis -: ‘Lakhpati Didis’ refers to women who earn over one lakh rupees (100,000 rupees) through their work. ‘Didi’ means elder sister in Hindi, showing respect.
Self-help groups (SHGs) -: Self-help groups (SHGs) are small groups of people, usually women, who come together to support each other in saving money and starting small businesses.
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) -: The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is a government program in India that helps poor people in rural areas to improve their livelihoods by providing training and financial support.
Akanksha Tamrekar, Shakuntala Kushwaha, Meera, Deepa Majumdar, Heera Devi -: These are the names of some women in Jhansi who have become successful by joining self-help groups and starting their own small businesses.
Home decor items, mats, papads, chips, bags, and purses -: These are products made by the women in the self-help groups. Home decor items are things used to decorate homes, mats are used for sitting or sleeping, papads are crispy snacks, chips are thin slices of fried food, and bags and purses are used to carry things.
Financial independence -: Financial independence means having enough money to support oneself without needing help from others. It allows people to make their own decisions and live a better life.
Recognition within their communities -: Recognition within their communities means that people in their village or town respect and appreciate them for their hard work and success.
Collective effort -: Collective effort means working together as a group to achieve a common goal. In this case, the women in the self-help groups are working together to improve their lives.
Government support -: Government support means help provided by the government, such as training, money, or resources, to assist people in improving their lives.
