Chhattisgarh’s Didis emerge as brand ambassadors of self-reliance: CM Sai

Raipur, October 3

Women today are scripting new dimensions of success in every sphere of life. With technology bringing the world’s products to one’s fingertips, digital platforms have now made it possible to reach global markets. It is with this objective that Bihan Didis are being trained in digital skills to ensure that Chhattisgarh’s products reach national and international markets. This was stated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai while addressing a training programme for Bihan Didis organized at the Shaheed Smarak Bhavan in Raipur by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in collaboration with Policy Watch.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the festival of Navratri is a symbol of respect and worship of women power in Indian culture. “Where women are respected, there the gods reside,” he remarked. He further said that the women of the state are creating history today. “The success of Bihan sisters fills us with pride. Chhattisgarh’s Didis are emerging as brand ambassadors of self-reliance. The Lakhpati Didis are giving wings to their dreams, and by making them digitally empowered, we are connecting their products to global markets.”

Highlighting the government’s commitment, CM Sai said that determination and collective efforts lead to success. The Centre and the State are working together to make women self-reliant. “By 2027, the target is to make 3 crore women across the country and 8 lakh women in Chhattisgarh self-reliant,” he said. Referring to Jashpur, he noted how mahua-based products have gained national recognition under the ‘Jashpure’ brand. During the Covid period, women had showcased innovation by preparing sanitizers from mahua.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that schemes like Mahatari Vandan Yojana are helping strengthen women financially. “The path of self-reliance is only possible through resolve and persistent effort. The innovations and hard work of self-help groups are giving a new direction to the economy of Chhattisgarh. The government is committed to providing every possible support to empower women further.”

*Women share inspiring journeys of becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’*

On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai listened to the motivating stories of women who became Lakhpati Didis.

Smt. Poonam Gupta from Tarkeshwarpur in Balrampur shared how her life changed after joining the Saraswati Mahila Self-Help Group. With administrative support, she opened a grocery shop, installed a flour mill, and now, after purchasing a pickup and a tractor, she has expanded her business.

Smt. Hemin Sahu from Gariaband recalled how she once struggled even to buy vegetables. After taking a loan from Bihan, she started an achar-papad business which has now expanded into a shop at Rajim. She earns nearly ₹4,000 daily and recently achieved sales of ₹2.31 lakh at the Saras Mela in Delhi.

Smt. Geeta Vaishnav said emotionally that earlier she had to stretch her hand even for ₹10. But after joining the Maa Vaibhav Lakshmi Self-Help Group through Bihan, she started an achar-papad venture. Today, she is working towards fulfilling her dream of making her son a software engineer with her earnings.

Smt. Geeta Verma from Raipur shared that after joining the Vaibhav Self-Help Group, she started a turmeric and spice business and is now earning ₹15,000–20,000 per month. She said that Prime Minister Modi’s resolve of making women Lakhpati Didis has transformed her life along with that of lakhs of other women.

*Chief Minister inspects Bihan Didis’ stalls*

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also visited stalls set up by Bihan Didis in the Shaheed Smarak Bhavan premises, organized by Policy Watch India Foundation. He interacted with women from various self-help groups and learned about their products and livelihood activities.

During the visit, he purchased ghee made from A2 milk of Sahiwal and Gir cows from women of Bharat Mata Sankul, Dongargaon. Smt. Dineshwari Sahu shared that their group owns 25–30 cows, and women are earning a good income through dairy products.

Smt. Khileshwari Madhukar from Jalagram Sangathan, Serikhedi, informed the CM that their group of women are becoming self-reliant by making phenyl, incense sticks, candles, cookies, and glycerine soap.

Similarly, Smt. Laxmi Gandharva of Jai Maa Bhavani Self-Help Group, Mundgaon (Dongargarh), presented the Chief Minister with an agarwood plant and explained that oil extracted from agarwood fetches lakhs of rupees. It is widely used in incense sticks, perfumes, and essential oils.

*Bihan Didis step towards national identity*

Significantly, a special workshop has been organized for Bihan Didis under the joint aegis of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department and Policy Watch. Under this, self-help group women will be able to sell their products on national and international platforms. They are also being trained in branding, costing, and packaging of products.

The event was graced by Panchayat and Rural Development Department Principal Secretary Smt. Niharika Barik Singh and Flipkart’s Chief Corporate Officer Shri Rajnish Kumar, along with several other dignitaries.