Empowering Women in Ranchi Through Entrepreneurship
Saihun Lakra’s Journey to Self-Reliance
Saihun Lakra, a 37-year-old woman from Lada village in Ranchi, once relied on her husband for small needs. She even took loans to support her family. Her life changed when she received financial aid through the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana (MMSY).
Now, Saihun meets her own needs and helps her husband buy essentials for his paddy field. She invested the money from the welfare scheme in poultry farming. Starting with Rs 2,000, she bought 20 chicks. After three months, she sold some and earned Rs 5,000. She also earns around Rs 1,000 a month by selling eggs.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
“I fulfill the needs of my family and help my husband in agriculture,” Saihun told TOI. Like Saihun, many others have started their own businesses through poultry farming and goatery. They aim to achieve economic self-reliance.
Roushni Kachhap’s Dream Business
Roushni Kachhap from Kesaro village bought three goats with the money from the Maiya Samman scheme. She hopes to earn a modest sum by selling a pair once they grow up.
“I always dreamed of starting my own business but couldn’t due to financial constraints. The government scheme renewed my hopes. I purchased goats in April and have been taking good care of them so that I can earn a good sum by selling them after they grow up,” Roushni said.
Ranchi Administration’s Initiative
The Ranchi administration has strengthened this initiative with the ‘Maiya Samman to Mahila Swabalamban’ program. They distribute chicks, goats, and ducks at minimal costs to empower women and supplement their family’s income.
Promoting Wise Use of Funds
Ranchi DC Manjunath Bhajantri, who envisioned this initiative, told TOI that the primary focus is to promote the wise use of the amount received under the scheme. This helps prevent beneficiaries from falling into cybercriminals’ traps.
“We aim to multiply the Rs 2,500 they get under the scheme by at least 10 times. The district administration has conducted several programs, in coordination with SHGs, to motivate women to venture into entrepreneurship. This way, they will not only help their families but also contribute to the state’s growth,” the DC added.
Impact and Reach
So far, the initiative has benefited many women in 18 blocks of Ranchi district:
- 5,170 beneficiaries have received chicks
- 1,048 beneficiaries have received goats
- 853 beneficiaries have received ducks
This initiative is a significant step towards empowering women and promoting entrepreneurship in Ranchi. It not only helps women become self-reliant but also contributes to the overall growth of the state.
