Chhattisgarh’s Livelihood Model Inspiring for the Entire Country – Union Minister of State Shri Paswan

Union Minister of State Shri Kamlesh Paswan inspected AJA Project and Pink DiDi Innovations in Serikhedi

Appreciates economic self-reliance of women’s groups

Raipur, May 14, 2026 / Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, visited the Multi Utility Center in Serikhedi, Raipur district today. At this center, operated under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), he conducted a thorough inspection of innovations and livelihood activities undertaken by women’s self-help groups. During this, he particularly praised the AJA (AJA) project operated by women and the better market linkage, calling it an exemplary model for the entire country.

AJA Project: Scientific Animal Husbandry and Empowered Market Linkage

Minister Shri Paswan closely observed the implementation of the integrated goat farming model, AJA. He said that this project is not only increasing the income of rural families but also giving a new direction to scientific animal husbandry. Arrangements like modern sheds, regular vaccination, animal insurance, online monitoring, and organic fertilizer production have brought about a positive change in the rural economy. He described the easy availability of markets for products prepared by the groups as something worth learning for other states as well.

Pink DiDi and Business DiDi: New Identity of Self-reliant India

During the inspection, the Minister lauded the e-auto service “Project Pink DiDi” being operated in Nava Raipur. He interacted with the beneficiary women, learned about their experiences, and said that this initiative is making women economically self-reliant along with protecting the environment. Besides the integrated goat farming project, agriculture-based livelihood activities, and livelihood service centers, he also observed Business DiDi, mushroom production, and other agriculture-based activities.

Women Managing Homes Now Become Board of Directors

Minister Shri Paswan had an intimate discussion with the women of the Board of Directors of the Farmer Producer Group. During this, the sisters shared how they have come out of the confines of their homes to lead an organized business today. The Minister tasted mahua cookies and praised the skills of the group sisters, saying that earning profits by organizing the unorganized sector is true empowerment.

Instructions to Officials for Expansion of Schemes

Calling Chhattisgarh’s livelihood model a source of inspiration for other states, the Union Minister of State urged officials to focus on further expanding these schemes. The Union Minister of State said that the livelihood models in Chhattisgarh can become a source of inspiration for other states as well. Congratulating the concerned officials and women’s groups for their excellent work, he emphasized further expansion of the schemes. Panchayat Secretary Shri Bhim Singh, Collector Shri Gaurav Singh, District Panchayat CEO Shri Kumar Biswaranjan, and other departmental officials were present during the inspection.

Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, interacted with the Multi Utility Center, Serikhedi (Raipur), AJA project, Pink DiDi e-auto, Business DiDi, and FPOs, and said that Chhattisgarh’s rural livelihood model is a strong step towards a self-reliant India.