CSR in Chhattisgarh: Ambuja Cements Empowers Rural Women Entrepreneurs Through ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Initiative

As more women step into entrepreneurship and financial independence, they inspire a new wave of economic empowerment in rural India.

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh (India CSR): In the heart of rural India, where economic opportunities for women have traditionally been limited, a quiet revolution is taking place. Ambuja Cements, a part of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is transforming the lives of rural women in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative. This ambitious program, aligned with the government’s vision, is not just about economic upliftment but about instilling confidence, self-reliance, and financial independence among rural women.

Through targeted skill development, enterprise support, and access to essential resources, Ambuja Cements’ CSR is equipping women with the means to generate sustainable incomes of Rs. 1 lakh or more annually. The impact of this initiative is evident in the lives of over 11,500 women across various CSR project locations, with 188 women entrepreneurs in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh alone achieving financial independence. These success stories underscore how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can serve as a powerful tool for grassroots economic transformation. CSR in Chhattisgarh

The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Vision: A Movement Towards Economic Self-Reliance

The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to empower self-help group (SHG) members by helping them achieve an annual household income of Rs. 1 lakh or more. This initiative encourages women to become self-reliant by fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing their income-generating capabilities.

Ambuja Cements has integrated this vision into its sustainability and CSR strategies, recognizing that women’s economic empowerment is key to building strong and resilient rural communities. The Company identified 188 women in Bhatapara and offered them comprehensive support, ranging from vocational training to financial literacy programs and access to micro-financing opportunities.

Through this structured approach, these women have been able to establish successful micro-enterprises, spanning industries like tailoring, vegetable cultivation, dairy farming, retail stores, and food processing.

Impact on Rural Women: Stories of Transformation

At the core of this initiative lie the inspiring stories of women who have embraced entrepreneurship and transformed their lives.

Kuleshwari Verma: A Fancy Store Owner’s Rise to Success

Kuleshwari Verma, a resident of Bhatapara, was once dependent on irregular daily wages, making it difficult to support her family. When she joined the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, she received training in retail management and financial planning. With support from Ambuja Cements, she set up a fancy store, selling household and decorative items.

Her business flourished beyond expectations, and today, she earns Rs. 3.75 lakh annually—a figure that was once unimaginable to her. With financial security, she can now afford quality education for her children and has gained newfound respect in her community.

Kusum Patel: Cultivating Success in Agriculture

Another inspiring example is Kusum Patel, who turned to vegetable farming with the guidance of the initiative. With Ambuja Cements’ technical support in agriculture best practices, organic farming, and irrigation techniques, she started cultivating seasonal vegetables on her small piece of land.

By improving productivity and accessing better markets, Kusum’s earnings increased to Rs. 1.1 lakh per year. Not only has she secured her family’s future, but she has also become an advocate for sustainable agriculture among other women in her village.

The Collective Strength of Self-Help Groups

The role of self-help groups (SHGs) has been instrumental in this transformation. Ambuja Cements worked closely with local SHGs to ensure that women entrepreneurs receive peer support, business guidance, and collective bargaining power. Many women who previously had no independent income now contribute significantly to their family finances, reducing economic vulnerabilities.

The Role of Ambuja Cements in Driving Women’s Economic Empowerment

Ambuja Cements has gone beyond traditional CSR models by offering an ecosystem of support that ensures long-term success for rural women entrepreneurs. Some of the key interventions include:

1. Skill Development and Vocational Training
   • Women were trained in sewing, food processing, farming techniques, and retail management, equipping them with marketable skills.
2. Access to Financial Resources
   • Through partnerships with microfinance institutions and government schemes, women received small loans to set up businesses.
3. Market Linkages and Entrepreneurial Guidance
   • Assistance was provided to help women identify profitable business opportunities, understand supply chains, and connect with buyers for their products.
4. Social Empowerment and Confidence Building
   • Workshops and mentoring sessions helped women overcome social and psychological barriers, enabling them to take leadership roles in their families and communities.

This holistic model ensures that economic empowerment is sustainable and not just a short-term solution.

The Ripple Effect: Women as Change-Makers in Rural India

The impact of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative goes far beyond individual success stories. When a woman becomes financially independent, the entire family and community benefits. Some key social transformations observed include:

• Higher investment in children’s education: Many women now prioritize sending their children, especially daughters, to school.
• Improved healthcare access: With better financial stability, families can afford healthcare services, reducing health-related vulnerabilities.
• Reduction in migration: With increased local earning opportunities, fewer families are forced to migrate to cities in search of work.
• Greater decision-making power: Financial independence has given women a stronger voice in household and community matters.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Ambuja Cements is deeply committed to promoting inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods. By supporting women entrepreneurs, the company aligns its CSR initiatives with the broader goal of nation-building and economic resilience.

The Company believes that empowering women economically is not just about financial growth—it is about changing mindsets, building confidence, and fostering self-reliance. The success of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative in Bhatapara is a testament to how corporate-led social interventions can create long-lasting, positive change in rural India.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up the Impact

Given the overwhelming success of the initiative in Bhatapara, Ambuja Cements aims to expand its reach to more rural regions. Plans are underway to:

• Support more self-help groups (SHGs) and train additional women entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate access to advanced digital and financial literacy programs.
• Develop new market linkages to scale up existing women-led enterprises.
• Enhance mentorship programs to guide women through different stages of business growth.

With these initiatives, the company envisions creating thousands of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across India, empowering them to uplift their families and communities.

(India CSR)