A prosperous Diwali for women SHGs as income quadruples

RAIPUR: It was indeed

a Happy Diwali

for the women SHGs of

Koriya

district as their diyas and home decor items received an overwhelming response this festive season, quadrupling their income to Rs 4 lakh.

Bihaan Bazaar was organised in the district on the occasion of Diwali to provide a platform to these women belonging to self-help groups formed under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) for sale of their products. Products made by the women of these groups including earthen and cow dung diyas, pots, terracotta products and home decoration items were a major attraction among visitors ahead of Diwali.

Besides, other handmade items including spices, pickles, slippers, organic phenyl were also sold well in the market. The groups have earned a total income of more than four lakhs through the sale.

NRLM district mission manager Ramendra singh informed that these women SHGs had earned an income of up to Rs one lakh from Bihan Bazaar last year. However, they received huge appreciation and response from people visiting here this year. Buyers appreciated the hard work of these women and supported them by purchasing their products. These women SHGs of the district generated a whooping income of Rs 4.73 lakh in just a week by selling their items in

Bihaan Bazaars

organized in five development blocks of the district.

A total income of Rs 31,000 was generated in Bihaan Bazaar of Baikunthpur block, Rs 11,000 in Sonhat, Rs 66,000 in Bharatpur, Rs 10,000 in Khadgwan and Rs 9,000 in Manendragarh development block.

Ekta self help group of Manendragarh has earned an income of Rs 1.2 lakh with the sale of clay and cow dung diyas, handmade kalash and idols and terracotta products. Similarly, other women SHG of Manendragarh earned an income of Rs 2.23 lakhs by selling their products this Diwali, said the official.

He said that Bihaan Bazaar in Baikunthpur would continue where terracotta products and other products like slippers, handmade phenyl, spices, pots, and home decor items will be available for sale.