The Panchayat and Rural Development Department’s exhibition at Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav brought together rural development, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation and innovation. It received second prize for effectively showcasing changes brought about in villages through departmental schemes and the growing self-reliance of rural women. Products made by Bihan women under the ‘Chhattiskala’ brand attracted visitors. At the same time, a lifelike model of the PM-JANMAN housing colony in Dhamtari district and innovations such as roads built using waste plastic highlighted new possibilities in rural development.
*Chhattiskala Brings Fresh Recognition to Bihan Women’s Skills*
‘Chhattiskala’, an innovative initiative of the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihoods Mission ‘Bihan’, was a special attraction. Women’s self-help groups presented local and traditional products with modern branding and attractive packaging. Jeeraphool rice, millet-based foods, tikhur powder, sattu laddoos and other food products, handicrafts and decorative items were displayed and sold.
A distinctive feature was that Bihan women operated the stall themselves, explaining their products and entrepreneurial activities to visitors. By connecting rural women’s skills, hard work and enterprise with markets, Chhattiskala presented an effective example of women’s empowerment.
