Veena Pekra of Sidhma village in the Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh lives with her husband and two children. She is one of the many women in the village who have been able to change their lives through the Bihan scheme of Chhattisgarh government. Two years ago her family was in a condition of poverty. But today she is financially independent and contributes to her family in a significant way. However, this journey was not very easy for her.

Veena came to learn about the Bihan scheme when some women already associated with the scheme came from another village to spread awareness about it among the women of Sidhma. She was  impressed by the possibilities. She saw Bihan as a road to happiness and prosperity. She told her husband about her willingness to join a Self Help Group and get associated with Bihan. Unfortunately he did not share her enthusiasm. He did not see any point in her joining Bihan. But she had already made up her mind and she joined a Self Help Group and got associated with the scheme without telling her husband.

After joining Bihan, Veena and the other women took up cultivation of various crops. They got training in advanced methods of farming as well as marketing support. The women started selling their produce directly in the market without getting into the trap of the middlemen. They also got financial support as well as a network to save money and raise their own fund from where they could take loans. Now they did not have to take loans from moneylenders. The women were gradually making profits and were progressing on the path of economic independence.

By the time Veena’s husband found out that she had joined Bihan despite his disapproval, she was already earning money. This changed her husband’s mind and he extended support to her. “He said ‘if you are making money that will be useful for the family so that is fine with me.’ I have been making profit and contributing to the family income. It feels good. It also give a sense of confidence.” She says.

Veena is hopeful of a better future. She feels she can achieve a lot. “I have earned a lot of confidence. I think I can do a lot more in the future.”Veena says.

Veena and the other women are very sincere about their work. From maintaining accounts to organising regular meetings they manage everything efficiently and sincerely. They are now planning to expand their activities too. “We are planning to cultivate more and more farmlands.” Veena says.

Veena credits all her achievements to Bihan and she feels that without Bihan it would never have been possible to achieve what she has achieved today.

Veena has not only lifted her family from poverty but has also rediscovered herself. There are many women like her who are now being benefited from schemes like Bihan. These women are changing their lives and are also contributing to the economy. Bihan has become a symbol of women’s empowerment in Chhattisgarh.

‍