Joining a Self-Help Group Changes the Course of Her Life
Monthly income rises from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000
Raipur | It is often said that achieving great success with limited resources is nothing short of extraordinary. This has been proven true by Sampatti Prajapati, a resident of Khaprikala village in Lormi block of Mungeli district, who has emerged as a symbol of self-reliance by joining a self-help group despite financial constraints.
Once struggling with economic hardship, Sampatti is now known as a “Lakhpati Didi” and has become an inspiration for many women in her community. Before joining the group, her family’s primary source of income was a small hotel business, which barely met daily expenses. Fulfilling basic family needs was a constant challenge. However, her life took a positive turn after she became a member of the “Jai Shanidev Mahila Self-Help Group” under the NRLM (Bihan) scheme.
Through the group, she gained access to financial support in the form of a revolving fund, Community Investment Fund (CIF), and bank linkage loans. Instead of using these funds for consumption, she strategically invested them to expand her income sources. She upgraded her hotel business and also started a suhaag bhandar (retail store) and kiosk banking services.
Over time, her consistent efforts and dedication paid off. Her monthly income increased significantly from ₹10,000 to around ₹25,000, while her annual income rose to approximately ₹3 lakh. Additionally, she earns nearly ₹1 lakh annually from agricultural activities, further strengthening her financial stability.
This journey of economic empowerment has brought remarkable changes in her life. Her family’s standard of living has improved, and there has been noticeable progress in her children’s education and healthcare. Today, she leads a dignified and self-reliant life.
Sampatti is now focused on expanding her business further and actively motivates other women in her village to join self-help groups and pursue self-employment. Her story highlights how proper guidance, effective utilisation of government schemes, and strong determination can transform lives.
Key Strategies Behind Her Success:
- Diversification of income through multiple businesses
- Expansion of existing enterprise (hotel business)
- Launch of retail (suhaag bhandar) and kiosk banking services
- Productive use of loans for income generation
- Identification of local demand-based opportunities
- Consistency, discipline, and customer trust
- Integration of agriculture as an additional income source
Key Intervention:
Her transformation began through the NRLM (Bihan) initiative, where she received:
- Revolving Fund
- Community Investment Fund (CIF)
- Bank linkage credit support
Sampatti Prajapati’s journey stands as a powerful example that with the right strategy and determination, even limited resources can lead to sustainable success.
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