Empowered by Bihar Government Schemes Under CM Nitish Kumar, Here's How Mala Devi transformed her Journey from Hardship to Success

Mala Devi's story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of women in rural India. Married to Sita Ram in 1997, Mala Devi faced numerous challenges after her father-in-law, who was the family's primary breadwinner, passed away. Her husband, who worked as a laborer and farmer, gradually fell ill, leaving the family in a dire financial situation.

With three children and elderly in-laws to care for, Mala Devi struggled to make ends meet. The family often went without food, and her children were unable to attend school due to the lack of resources. Despite working as a laborer in the fields, Mala Devi could barely sustain her household. The wages of Rs. 50 to 60 per day were insufficient to cover even the basic needs.

In 2018, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Bihar Government's various schemes started making a real difference on the ground. Mala Devi's life began to change when she joined the Laxmi Self Help Group (SHG) in Jeevika. Encouraged by her village Didi and CM Geeta Devi, she started saving regularly and participating in the group's activities. Her inclusion in the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme by the Bihar Government in 2019 marked a turning point. Selected by the Rajeevika Mahila Gram Sangathan, Mala Devi received training and financial support to start her own business.

In March 2021, with micro-planning and support from the BPIU office, Mala Devi received Rs. 20,000 from the Livelihood Fund (LIF) and Rs. 10,000 from the Special Investment Fund to open a fast food shop. Her determination and hard work paid off, as she quickly began earning Rs. 1500 to 1600 per day. This newfound income allowed her to provide better for her family and get medical treatment for her husband, who gradually recovered.

With the support of the village organization, Mala Devi expanded her business. She opened a cosmetic shop and later added a clothing store, which her husband managed. Her consistent efforts and the encouragement from MRP Manisha Kumari and BRP Sanjay Kumar led to significant growth in her business. Mala Devi's children, who had previously been unable to attend school, were now receiving an education. Her eldest son is in 10th grade, the middle son in 8th grade, and the youngest in 6th grade.

Mala Devi's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. She purchased a handcart and started selling chowmein and vegetables alongside her cosmetic shop. Her hard work and strategic investments have paid off, with her total assets now amounting to Rs. 176,192 and a monthly income of Rs. 16,134. She has also saved Rs. 49,900 in the bank.

Mala Devi's future plans are ambitious. She dreams of transforming her fast food and cosmetic shops into wholesale businesses and ensuring that her children receive higher education to secure good jobs. Her journey from a struggling homemaker to a successful entrepreneur is a source of inspiration for many in her village. She attributes her progress to the support from Jeevika and the Sustainable Livelihood Project, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities they provided.

Mala Devi's story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with resilience, determination, and community support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Her success is a shining example of the transformative power of women's empowerment in rural India.

Mala Devi's remarkable journey is a testament to the effective implementation of Bihar Government's initiatives under CM Nitish Kumar. These ground-level schemes are designed to uplift individuals and foster socio-economic development. The positive impact of these programs is evident in Mala Devi’s transition from hardship to prosperity, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting and transforming lives in rural communities.