We are self-reliant and confident about the future.

Kanker. Sharda Usendi of Kanker is an example of how even a small amount of help can empower a family and its future, empowering and empowering them. A small loan, provided by the state government, not only strengthened her financial situation but also opened doors to better education for her children.

Sharda Usendi of Pondgaon in the Antagarh development block, who had studied until the 12th grade, previously supported herself through her small grocery shop and some farming. Due to her limited income, her financial situation was failing to improve significantly. Meanwhile, through the Kanker District Self-Employment Department, she learned that loans were available for Scheduled Tribes under the “Tribal Self-Employment Scheme.” She promptly applied to the department. The department forwarded her application to the State Bank of India, Antagarh, where she was approved for a loan of ₹100,000. Along with the loan, she also received a grant of ₹10,000 from the department.

Usendi expanded her grocery business with this money. She says she now earns a net income of five to seven thousand rupees per month from the shop. Her husband and children also fully support her in the business. Thanks to her grocery shop, she has been able to regularly pay her bank installments and complete the education of both her sons. Her daughter is currently in college.

Sharda Usendi says, “After expanding the shop, our financial situation has improved. We are now self-reliant and confident about the future.” Expressing gratitude to the Chhattisgarh Government’s Self-Employment Department, Kanker, she appealed to tribal youth to take advantage of the “Tribal Self-Employment Scheme” and take steps towards self-reliance.