General Store, Fancy Goods Shop and Chicken Centre Generate Annual Income of Nearly ₹2 Lakh
Korea, October 2026: Once dependent on limited farming and daily-wage labour to meet her family’s needs, Jaykunwar, a resident of Vikrampur village in Chhattisgarh’s Korea district, now runs three businesses. With financial assistance from the National Rural Livelihoods Mission’s Bihaan initiative and her own hard work, she has established a stronger livelihood for her family, earning approximately ₹2 lakh annually through her enterprises.
Jaykunwar, who lives in Vikrampur village in Sonhat development block, previously practised rain-fed farming on a small piece of land alongside her husband, Tirath Singh. The family also relied on daily-wage work under employment-oriented schemes implemented by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. Their limited income often resulted in financial difficulties.
Self-Help Group Membership Opened New Opportunities
Jaykunwar’s circumstances began to change after she joined a self-help group operating under the Bihaan initiative in her village. Through the group, she learned about opportunities to expand her livelihood and become financially independent.
She initially received a loan of ₹15,000 through the group, followed by another loan of ₹60,000. Using this financial assistance, she decided to establish small businesses to supplement her family’s income.
Jaykunwar opened a general store and a shop selling fancy goods and accessories. Recognising the local demand for chicken, she also established a chicken centre in the village.
By selecting businesses that catered to local needs and working diligently to operate them, she gradually developed regular sources of income.
Three Businesses Strengthen Family Finances
Today, Jaykunwar has three additional sources of income alongside farming and wage labour. Her businesses generate approximately ₹2 lakh annually, significantly strengthening her family’s financial position.
Establishing and managing her own enterprises has also boosted her confidence and given her greater control over her livelihood.
Her journey demonstrates how timely financial assistance, access to self-help groups and an understanding of local market demand can create opportunities for rural women to become self-employed.
Through the support provided by Bihaan and her determination to make productive use of the opportunity, Jaykunwar has transformed small loans into sustainable business activities and a stronger financial foundation for her family.
