Raipur, October 3, 2025/Women are creating new dimensions of success in every field of life today. Technology has brought the products of the whole world to their fingertips and now it has become possible to reach the global market through digital means. With this objective, digital training is being given to the Didis of Bihan so that the products of Chhattisgarh can reach the markets of the country and the world. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said this while addressing the training program of Bihan Didis organized by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department and Policy Watch at the Shaheed Smarak Bhawan in Raipur today.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the festival of Navratri is a symbol of respect and worship of women power in our culture. Where women are respected, the abode of gods is considered to be there. He said that the women of the state are making history. The success of Bihan’s sisters fills us with pride. The Didis of Chhattisgarh are now becoming the brand ambassadors of self-reliance. Lakhpati Didis are giving new wings to their dreams and today they are being digitally empowered to connect their products to the global market.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that if we move forward with determination, success is certain. The central and state governments are working continuously to make women self-reliant. The target has been set to make 3 crore women self-reliant across the country and 8 lakh in Chhattisgarh by the year 2027. He said that mahua-based products are being prepared in districts like Jashpur, which have received national recognition as the ‘Jashpure’ brand. During the Corona period, women had introduced their ability and innovation by making sanitizer from Mahua.
Chief Minister Shri Sai further said that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana has helped in making women financially empowered. The path of self-reliance is possible only through determination and effort. The innovation and hard work of women self-help groups is giving a new direction to the economy of the state. He assured that the government will provide all possible cooperation to empower women further.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister heard the inspiring stories of becoming a Lakhpati Didi. Smt. Poonam Gupta of Tarkeshwarpur, Balrampur district, told that after joining the Saraswati Mahila Self-Help Group, a big change came in her life. With the cooperation of the administration, she opened a grocery shop, set up a flour mill and now expanded the business by purchasing a pickup and tractor.
Smt. Hemin Sahu of Gariyaband said that at one time it was difficult to even buy vegetables. She started the business of pickles-papad by taking a loan from Bihan, which has now reached a shop in Rajim. Today, she is earning about Rs 4,000 per day. Recently, she sold Rs 2 lakh 31 thousand in the Saras fair in Delhi.
Smt. Geeta Vaishnav said emotionally that earlier she had to stretch her hands for Rs 10. But by joining the Maa Vaibhavalakshmi Self-Help Group through Bihan, she started the business of pickles-papad. Now she is fulfilling her dream of making her son a software engineer with her earnings.
Smt. Geeta Verma of Raipur said that by joining the Vaibhav Self-Help Group, she started the business of turmeric-spices and today she is earning Rs 15 to 20 thousand every month. She said that the Prime Minister’s resolve to make Lakhpati Didis has changed the lives of her and lakhs of sisters.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai inspected the stalls of Bihan Didis set up by the Policy Watch India Foundation in the Shaheed Smarak Bhawan premises. He interacted with the women of various self-help groups and took information about their products and livelihood activities.
During this, he purchased ghee made from A2 milk of Sahiwal and Gir cows from the women of Bharat Mata Sankul, Dongargaon. Smt. Dineshwari Sahu of the group said that they have 25 to 30 cows, from which women are earning good income by preparing dairy products.
Smt. Khileshwari Madhukar of Jalagram Sangathan, Serikhedi, said that the women of her group are becoming self-reliant by making phenyl, incense sticks, candles, cookies and glycerin soap.
At the same time, Smt. Laxmi Gandharv of Jai Maa Bhavani Self-Help Group, Mundgaon (Dongargarh) presented a sapling of Agarwood to the Chief Minister and said that the oil made from Agarwood costs lakhs of rupees. It is used in the manufacture of incense sticks, perfumes and essential oils.
It is noteworthy that a special workshop has been organized for the Didis of Bihan under the joint aegis of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department and Policy Watch. Under this, women of self-help groups will be able to sell their products on national and international platforms. They will also be trained in the nuances of product branding, casting and packaging.
Prominent Secretary of Panchayat and Rural Development Department Smt. Niharika Barik Singh and Chief Corporate Officer of Flipkart Shri Rajneesh Kumar along with other dignitaries were present in the program.
