For a rural woman, moving from small loans for household needs to running her own business requires both opportunity and confidence. Sangeeta Devi of Chherdad village in Jashpur district shows how this transition can happen. After joining a self-help group under the Bihan mission, she received an e-rickshaw under the Chief Minister Jashpur Express Yojana and now earns a net income of 15,000 to 18,000 Rupees a month.
Sangeeta joined the Deepak Self-Help Group in 2018. Initially, she used small loans for agricultural work and family needs. Over time, she saw the possibility of creating a more stable source of income. She proposed an e-rickshaw to her cluster organisation, noting that the route from Duldula to Patratoli had steady passenger movement and could support a transport service.
In 2025, she received a battery-operated e-rickshaw under the Chief Minister Jashpur Express Yojana. She chose to drive it herself and began operating on the Duldula-Patratoli route. Today, she earns around 700 to 800 Rupees a day. After meeting operating expenses, her monthly net income reaches 15,000 to 18,000 Rupees.
This income has strengthened her family’s finances. Sangeeta now contributes to household expenses, her children’s needs and, when required, supports her husband as well. More importantly, having her own livelihood has increased her confidence and her role in family decisions.
Her journey also shows the value of self-help groups. They can provide savings, credit and a platform for women to explore new livelihood options. But access to a vehicle alone is not enough. Women need training in driving and road safety, support for maintenance and battery charging, and a safe working environment. Reliable income also depends on steady passenger demand and fair operating conditions.
Sangeeta is now known as a Lakhpati Didi and encourages other women to look beyond traditional livelihoods. Her success is not only about increased earnings. It is about greater participation, confidence and dignity. When rural women receive practical support and use it with determination, they can build enterprises that benefit their families and strengthen the local economy.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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