Ruby Devi's Livelihood Transformation Through Government Schemes
Ruby Devi, a 32-year-old Scheduled Caste woman from Karanpura, Hajipur, Bihar, has experienced significant economic transformation through government livelihood support programs. Previously working as a daily-wage laborer earning ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month while her husband sold toddy, she faced extreme financial hardship after her husband's death in 2016 left her as sole provider for two young children.
Through the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme (SJY) implemented via Sangam JEEViKA Mahila Gram Sangathan, Ruby received comprehensive support to establish a grocery business. This included a three-day CBED training program on business management, initial financial support of ₹10,000 as SIF support from Pragati JEEViKA Mahila Gram Sangathan, followed by two rounds of grocery shop support worth ₹20,000 and ₹27,000 respectively through the purchasing committee. She additionally received Livelihood Grant Fund (LGF) support of ₹1,000 per month for seven months totaling ₹7,000 for food expenses, and three refresher training sessions at three-month intervals.
Further assistance came through the PM-AJAY scheme providing ₹17,000 and the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana providing ₹10,000, bringing her total direct financial support to ₹64,000. This investment transformed her economic circumstances: her monthly income increased to ₹15,000–₹20,000 from her grocery and general store business, and her total assets now value approximately ₹1,45,640. She developed savings habits starting with ₹10 daily savings, having previously lacked even a bank account.
The economic improvement enabled significant social benefits: both children now regularly attend government school (Class 6 and Class 4), whereas poverty previously prevented regular schooling. Ruby gained access to multiple government welfare schemes including ration card, Ayushman card, gas connection, electricity connection, Indira Awas, toilet scheme, tap water scheme and insurance benefits. Her social standing in the community improved dramatically—from being excluded from social functions due to her husband's traditional occupation, she is now respectfully called "Ruby Didi" and invited to village events. Ruby aspires to expand her grocery shop into a larger business enterprise with further financial support and training opportunities.