Self-help group support and Aadhaar services help a village woman become financially independent and inspire others
Published on: March 12, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
( A Dispatch by Dhananjay Rathore,Joint director PR and LD Manikpuri, Assistant PRO in Chhattishgarh Government.)
A story of determination and opportunity from rural Chhattisgarh is emerging as a powerful example of women’s empowerment. Sangeeta Singh, a resident of Dudhashi village in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, has become self-reliant by providing Aadhaar-related services and banking assistance in her village, inspiring many women in the region.
Government initiatives aimed at strengthening self-help groups and promoting rural livelihoods are enabling women to access low-interest loans, skill development training and income-generating opportunities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring and digital services. Through these initiatives, women are not only contributing to their families’ income but also gaining social and economic independence.
Journey Began as a BC Sakhi
Sangeeta Singh began her journey in 2021 as a BC Sakhi (Banking Correspondent Sakhi) under the state’s livelihood mission. Through her work, villagers started receiving banking services within the village itself.
Earlier, residents had to travel long distances to nearby towns or block headquarters for basic banking needs such as cash withdrawal and transactions. With Sangeeta’s services available locally, villagers now save both time and money while gaining easier access to financial services.
Financial Support Through Self-Help Group
Sangeeta credits her success to the support she received through the Bihan Yojana, a rural livelihood initiative aimed at strengthening women’s self-help groups.
She took a loan of ₹68,000 from her self-help group, which helped her start her work as a BC Sakhi. Although she faced several challenges in the beginning, her dedication and commitment gradually earned the trust of villagers.
Today, residents regularly approach her for banking-related assistance, making her an important financial link between rural communities and formal banking services.
Aadhaar Kit Reward for Outstanding Work
Recognizing her dedication and effective service delivery, the district administration decided to entrust her with additional responsibilities.
To expand Aadhaar services in tribal and remote areas, the district administration has launched five new Aadhaar centres. As part of this initiative, Sangeeta Singh has been provided with an Aadhaar service kit along with a laptop.
The kit was handed over by District e-Governance Manager Narayan Kevart, enabling her to offer Aadhaar-related services directly within her village.
Aadhaar Services Now Available in the Village
With the Aadhaar kit, Sangeeta can now provide several services locally, including new Aadhaar enrolments, Aadhaar updates and other related services.
This initiative will ensure that residents of Dudhashi and nearby villages no longer have to travel to towns or block headquarters for basic Aadhaar services, improving digital accessibility in rural areas.
Inspiration for Rural Women
Sangeeta Singh’s journey has become a source of inspiration for many women in the region. Her success demonstrates how access to financial support, training and digital infrastructure can transform lives.
Her story also highlights the growing role of rural women in driving social and economic change. With determination and the right opportunities, women like Sangeeta are not only transforming their own lives but also contributing to the development of their communities.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/free-sonography-for-high-risk-pregnant-women-strengthens-safe-motherhood-initiative/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/collector-conducts-surprise-inspection-of-rajnandgaon-tehsil-office/
Strengthening Women’s Empowerment
The initiative by the district administration is not only strengthening digital service access in rural areas but also promoting women’s empowerment.
Programs like Bihan aim to reduce poverty by building strong community institutions and providing women with access to financial services and livelihood opportunities. Through such initiatives, women in rural India are gradually becoming key agents of development and change.
