How is 'Didi Cafe' Transforming Lives of Rural Women in Neemuch?

Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), July 16 (NationPress) The 'Didi Cafe', managed under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), is significantly altering the lives of rural women by empowering them both financially and socially. This initiative also reinforces the idea of growth through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Located in Kanavati village within Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district, 'Didi Cafe' is operated by the women of the Jai Balaji Livelihood SHGs and offers tea and snacks in a welcoming atmosphere.

This cafe has become a beacon of self-sufficiency and is motivating other villagers.

The homemade tea and breakfast served by the sisters attract numerous visitors due to the warm, family-like ambiance.

For the women of SHGs, this venture enables them to support their families, with earnings ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 monthly, significantly enhancing their quality of life.

Madhu Khoiwal, the owner of 'Didi Cafe' and President of the Jai Balaji Livelihood SHG, shared her inspiring journey with IANS.

She explained, "Our group consists of 15 women. Before joining, I was a housewife. After becoming a member, I began saving Rs 100 each, and others joined in. Impressed by our savings, NRLM granted us a loan of Rs 20 lakh. We were encouraged to start a cafe as there was no 'Didi Cafe' in the Collector's office."

Madhu mentioned that five to six sisters manage the cafe while the others engage in activities like animal husbandry and sewing.

This initiative has greatly improved the support provided to the families of all the sisters.

The group secured a loan from the Kanavati branch of SBI Bank, making their lives considerably easier.

Another member, Kaushalya Bai, added, "All of us in the Jai Balaji group saved Rs 100 each. We established a canteen in the Collector's office, and some work here while others sew or raise animals in the village. We started our journey by saving Rs 100 each."

Mahavar, a customer at 'Didi Cafe', expressed his satisfaction, stating that they frequently visit for tea and snacks.

He praised the cafe's atmosphere, noting, "The cleanliness and ambiance are excellent."

Aman Vaishnav, CEO of Neemuch District Panchayat, remarked on the ongoing efforts to empower rural women through the NRLM mission.

He stated, "Madhu Didi's group received a Rs 20 lakh loan under NRLM, with Rs 1 lakh allocated to launch 'Didi Cafe'. This cafe not only serves as a solid livelihood source but also positions Madhu Didi as a responsible 'Bank Sakhi'.

"Other women in the group are also enhancing their economic conditions through ventures like animal husbandry, grocery shops, and sewing. The District Panchayat is committed to supporting self-help groups to foster self-reliance among rural women," he concluded.