Women of Kansabel adopt self-employment through self-help groups under the NRLM ‘Bihan’ scheme
Published on: March 11, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Traditional handicraft skills are emerging as a strong source of livelihood for rural women in Chhattisgarh, while also helping preserve cultural heritage. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) – Bihan scheme is enabling rural women across the state to achieve economic independence.
In Jashpur district, women from Semhar Kachhar village in Kansabel development block have set an inspiring example of self-reliance by transforming their traditional craft skills into a sustainable source of income. Eleven members of the Hariyali Self-Help Group have begun producing attractive baskets and other traditional handicraft items using Chhind Kasa, a locally available natural material.
The initiative has significantly strengthened their livelihood and provided them with a stable income opportunity. By utilizing local resources and traditional craftsmanship, these women are not only generating employment but also promoting eco-friendly products that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
Group member Balamuni Bhagat said that joining the Bihan scheme opened new doors for self-employment. Earlier, most of the women were limited to household responsibilities, but now they are actively engaged in income-generating activities and earning a respectable livelihood.
She explained that the handicraft work has given the women financial independence as well as confidence. According to her, the craft is not merely a business but also a medium through which traditional skills and cultural values are passed down from one generation to another.
The women said that the Bihan scheme has brought a positive transformation in their lives. Through the self-help group, they have received training, financial support and marketing assistance, which has helped them expand their work.
Their products are now gaining popularity in local markets, fairs and rural haats, increasing their visibility and sales opportunities. The women proudly say that they are no longer confined to their homes but are now building their own identity and contributing to their families’ economic stability.
Members of the self-help group expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the district administration for supporting women through government welfare schemes. They stated that handicraft production has become their primary source of income and is helping many rural women move towards economic empowerment and self-reliance.
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The success of the Hariyali Self-Help Group demonstrates how traditional knowledge, when supported by institutional schemes and market access, can create sustainable livelihoods and empower rural communities.
