Empowering Women in Chhattisgarh: Self-Help Groups Drive PMAY Success

In Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are carving out a new source of income by renting construction equipment such as centring plates and concrete mixer machines. This initiative aligns with houses being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Officials noted that this program, part of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) locally called 'Bihan', not only speeds up the construction process but also empowers women through income generation.

Surguja Zila Panchayat CEO Vinay Kumar Agrawal revealed that approximately 700 self-help groups have been organized in the district, receiving construction-related equipment. 'Through the NRLM initiative, approximately 1,100 centring plates are now available,' Agrawal told ANI. Furthermore, 10 groups have received concrete mixer machines via the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund, with a grant of about Rs 2 lakh, with additional funds from the groups themselves, boosting women's empowerment alongside PMAY construction.

Surguja Collector Ajeet Vasant highlighted the initiative's role in addressing the shortage of centring plates amid simultaneous PMAY home construction efforts. With enhanced bank linkages, self-help groups access loans to purchase and rent out equipment, thereby accelerating construction and generating income for women-led groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)