Ranchi: The government’s Maaiyan Samman scheme, often criticised by the opposition, has this time brought real light and hope to the homes of several women in Ranchi.
For Sheela Linda and her two friends, Basanti Bhutkunwar and Lalita Kachhap, the scheme’s financial support turned into an opportunity for self-employment and empowerment.
When Sheela received three months’ worth of the Maaiyan Samman payment in a lump sum, she decided to use the money to start a small business rather than spend it on routine needs. Along with her two friends, she planned to sell designer earthen lamps during Diwali. The trio purchased plain clay lamps from potters at Mali Katta Board at low prices and then painted and decorated them with bright colours to make them more attractive for buyers.
Their idea quickly grew into a small enterprise. As demand increased, the women hired six more helpers, expanding their effort into a community livelihood project. Sheela said they had earlier made candles for festivals but this time chose to focus on decorating ready-made lamps to increase their value in the market.
Their colourful lamps earned attention at a local Diwali fair in Ranchi, where they were allotted a stall with support from several organisations. So far, the women have sold about 12,000 lamps and earned a good profit. They now plan to reinvest their earnings in another seasonal business through their Sarthak Self-Help Group.
This small yet meaningful success has shown how government assistance, when used with initiative, can change lives. For Sheela and her friends, the Maaiyan Samman scheme has truly lit the lamps of hope this Diwali.