From Debt and Despair to Confidence and Change: Phulmati’s Journey with SHGs

Phulmati Devi (35) lives with her husband and two school-going sons in Haraj Imirti village, Motihari block in Bihar. Her husband worked as an agricultural labourer, and the family depended entirely on his low and irregular income. Frequent floods destroyed their crops, pushing them into debt and forcing them to borrow from moneylenders at high interest. With no Self-Help Group (SHG) in the village and little awareness of government schemes like Jeevika, the family struggled with constant financial stress and conflict. Phulmati had no financial independence and limited role in household decisions.

Through EFICOR’s project, a Gramin Musahar Vikas Samiti meeting was organised in the village. The community was introduced to SHGs, savings, and livelihood opportunities. Encouraged by this, Phulmati joined a Jeevika SHG, began saving regularly, and started participating in group decisions. She received training in animal husbandry and started dairy and goat rearing. Beginning with five goats and increasing to ten, she now earns about Rs. 50,000 annually.

With this income, the family has stopped depending on moneylenders, and Phulmati supports her children’s education. As a confident Jeevika Didi, she now motivates other women in her village to join SHGs and become self-reliant.