Women affiliated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in multiple villages of Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, are successfully renting out centring plates and concrete mixers for construction purposes linked to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This initiative allows these women to generate income while actively participating in housing development efforts in their communities. The programme has been successful in creating economic opportunities for women while also contributing to the local infrastructure.

National Rural Livelihoods Mission Facilitates the Initiative

Officials have reported that this initiative falls under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which is locally referred to as ‘Bihan’. Vinay Kumar Agrawal, the CEO of Surguja Zila Panchayat, indicated that approximately 700 self-help groups have been mobilised within the district to engage in this endeavour. This mobilisation has made around 1,100 units of centring plates available for renting, aiding the construction of PMAY houses.

Additionally, a total of ten self-help groups have been supported with concrete mixers using funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). A grant of about Rs 2 lakh was allocated for this equipment, while the groups contributed the remaining funds. This collaboration has not only boosted the availability of construction equipment but has also promoted women’s empowerment through the initiation of sustainable livelihoods.

Agrawal emphasised the dual impact of this initiative on both the construction process and women’s economic status. As the women rent out the equipment, they are simultaneously gaining financial independence and contributing to the housing needs under PMAY.

Addressing Equipment Shortages in Construction

The initiative was also aimed at tackling shortages of essential construction materials, specifically centring plates. Surguja Collector Ajeet Vasant explained that the simultaneous development of multiple PMAY homes led to occasional shortages, which posed challenges to contractors and builders. By enabling self-help groups to obtain bank loans for purchasing centring plates, the initiative is effectively mitigating this supply issue.

Moreover, the initiative has facilitated bank linkages that allow self-help groups to access necessary financing for the procurement of construction materials. This support has created a favourable environment for rapid housing development across several villages.

Vasant noted that the initiative has not only expedited the construction work but has also opened up new avenues for income generation for the involved women, thereby enhancing their economic participation in the community. Overall, the approach aims to empower women while meeting the infrastructural demands of the PMAY initiative.

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