Traditional Handicrafts Become a Source of Livelihood for Rural Women
Women of Kansabel Adopt Self-Employment by Joining Self-Help Groups
Raipur, March 11, 2026/ Traditional skills such as pottery, embroidery and woodwork not only generate employment through eco-friendly products made from locally available materials, but also help preserve rich cultural heritage. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, rural women in Jashpur district are setting inspiring examples of self-reliance through the National Rural Livelihood Mission – Bihan Yojana.
In Semhar Kachar village of Kansabel development block, 11 women associated with the Hariyali Self-Help Group have strengthened their livelihoods by crafting attractive baskets and other traditional handicraft items using chhind kasa (date palm fibre). Their work has transformed traditional craftsmanship into a sustainable means of income while keeping age-old artisanal practices alive.
Group member Smt. Balmunee Bhagat said that joining the Bihan Yojana opened the door to self-employment for the women. Earlier, most of them were confined to household responsibilities, but today they are earning a steady income through their craft. She added that the initiative has not only strengthened their financial independence but has also boosted their confidence. “This work is not merely a business,” she said, “it carries forward our traditions, skills and cultural heritage from one generation to the next.”
The women shared that the Bihan Yojana has brought a positive transformation in their lives. With access to training, institutional support and marketing facilities through the self-help group, their products have now gained popularity in local haat-bazaars and fairs. The women say they are no longer confined to their homes, but are now building their own identity through their work.
Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the district administration, the members of the self-help group said that government schemes are empowering them and helping them become self-reliant. For many women, handicraft production has emerged as a major source of income, creating opportunities for self-sufficiency for lakhs of people, particularly women.