Gorakhpur Women Drive Economic Change Through Government Self-Employment Schemes
In a powerful demonstration of grassroots economic transformation, a growing number of rural women in Gorakhpur are achieving financial independence, propelled by focused initiatives from both central and state governments. These women are breaking traditional barriers and charting new paths through various self-employment programs, with one standout example being the e-rickshaw venture that has turned numerous homemakers into successful entrepreneurs.
Mansa Devi: From Household Responsibilities to E-Rickshaw Entrepreneur
Mansa Devi, a resident of Harpur village in Brahmpur block, has emerged as a prominent role model in this movement. Once confined to domestic duties and facing financial constraints at home, Mansa joined a self-help group and resolved to create a sustainable income source. Under the government's self-mobility program specifically designed for rural women, she launched her own e-rickshaw enterprise.
To fund her venture, Mansa availed a loan of Rs 1.25 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, a flagship scheme that provides financial support to small businesses. This investment enabled her to purchase an e-rickshaw, which she now operates to generate substantial monthly earnings.
Through her dedicated efforts, Mansa earns approximately Rs 20,000 per month from her e-rickshaw operation. Her success has not only transformed her family's financial situation but has also inspired her to mentor other women in her community. She has begun training fellow rural women to operate e-rickshaws, actively encouraging them to embrace self-employment opportunities and achieve similar economic independence.
Recognition as a Lakhpati Didi and Republic Day Honors
Mansa's remarkable achievements earned her significant recognition at the national level. She was selected as one of fourteen 'Lakhpati Didis' from the state who received special invitations to attend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi this year. This honor highlights how individual success stories are being celebrated and promoted as examples for others to follow.
Deputy Commissioner for Self-Employment Neerja Gupta emphasized the inspirational nature of Mansa's journey. "Mansa's transformation from managing household chores to becoming a Lakhpati Didi has established her as a true role model for countless other women," Gupta stated. She further explained that this personal achievement represents a broader trend of women's empowerment creating tangible, measurable change across rural communities.
Scale of Impact: 38,750 Women Achieve Lakhpati Didi Status
The success story extends far beyond individual cases. According to official data, an impressive 38,750 rural women in Gorakhpur district have so far achieved the 'Lakhpati Didi' milestone by benefiting from various government schemes. This substantial number underscores how targeted policy interventions are effectively translating into widespread economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
The government's self-mobility program and associated financial schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana are proving instrumental in this transformation. By providing both the means (through loans and vehicles) and the motivation (through recognition and community support), these initiatives are enabling women to overcome traditional limitations and build sustainable livelihoods.
As more women like Mansa Devi take the wheel—literally and figuratively—the landscape of rural economies in Gorakhpur is undergoing a significant shift. What began as individual efforts to achieve financial stability is now coalescing into a broader movement where women's empowerment is visibly translating into economic progress and social change across the region.
