‘Chhattiskala’ Showcases Bihan Women’s Skills; Display and Sale of Self-Help Group Products Attract Visitors
Model of PM-JANMAN Housing Colony in Dhamtari Emerges as a Major Attraction
Exhibition Highlights Construction of 12 km of Roads Using 7,900 Kilograms of Waste Plastic
Water Conservation, Girls’ Toilets and Goat Rearing under VB-G RAM G, alongside Solar Didi Innovations, Showcase Changing Villages
Raipur, 03 November 2026/
The Panchayat and Rural Development Department’s exhibition at Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav brought together rural development, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation and innovation. It received second prize for effectively showcasing changes brought about in villages through departmental schemes and the growing self-reliance of rural women. Products made by Bihan women under the ‘Chhattiskala’ brand attracted visitors. At the same time, a lifelike model of the PM-JANMAN housing colony in Dhamtari district and innovations such as roads built using waste plastic highlighted new possibilities in rural development.
Chhattiskala Brings Fresh Recognition to Bihan Women’s Skills
‘Chhattiskala’, an innovative initiative of the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihoods Mission ‘Bihan’, was a special attraction. Women’s self-help groups presented local and traditional products with modern branding and attractive packaging. Jeeraphool rice, millet-based foods, tikhur powder, sattu laddoos and other food products, handicrafts and decorative items were displayed and sold.
A distinctive feature was that Bihan women operated the stall themselves, explaining their products and entrepreneurial activities to visitors. By connecting rural women’s skills, hard work and enterprise with markets, Chhattiskala presented an effective example of women’s empowerment.
PM-JANMAN Housing Colony Provides Secure Homes for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Families
A model of the PM-JANMAN housing colony developed at Masan Dabra in Dhamtari district was another major attraction. An engaging model and photographs of the colony showcased its well-planned houses, clean and green surroundings, improved basic amenities and community development approach.
The display illustrated efforts under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) to provide Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with pucca houses and essential amenities for a better life.
Roads Built Using Waste Plastic Combine Environmental Conservation with Rural Development
The use of waste plastic in rural road construction under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was among the important achievements showcased at the exhibition. According to the department, 12 km of roads have been constructed across four districts using 7,900 kilograms, or 7.9 tonnes, of waste plastic.
In Bastar district, 400 kilograms of waste plastic was used to build 1.5 km of road; in Mahasamund, 3,700 kilograms was used for 5 km; in Surguja, 550 kilograms was used for 1.5 km; and in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, 3,250 kilograms was used for 4 km.
By turning plastic waste into a useful resource, the initiative demonstrated how environmental conservation can be combined with rural infrastructure development.
Visitors Interact with Women Featured in ‘Didi Ke Goth’ Success Stories
All 15 episodes broadcast so far of Bihan’s popular radio programme ‘Didi Ke Goth’ were also featured at the exhibition. The rural women whose success stories have reached listeners through the programme interacted directly with visitors.
They shared their experiences of overcoming challenges, pursuing self-employment and livelihood activities, and becoming financially self-reliant. The exhibition thus brought to life the idea of women telling their stories in their own words.
VB-G RAM G Models Showcase Overall Village Development
Attractive models presented rural development activities under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM JI. Information was displayed on 375 permissible works covering water security and conservation, basic rural infrastructure, livelihood-supporting infrastructure and disaster management.
The exhibits included recharge pits for defunct borewells, girls’ toilets under ‘Meri Beti Mera Abhiman’, goat rearing for livelihood enhancement, and forest protection and conservation models. They conveyed messages about groundwater recharge, rural girls’ hygiene and dignity, livelihood opportunities and environmental conservation.
Solar Didi Inspires Rural Women’s Self-Reliance through Clean Energy
The exhibition also showcased efforts to connect rural women with solar energy-based entrepreneurship through the ‘Solar Didi’ initiative associated with the DWEEPTI Yojana and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Photographs and information highlighted Bihan women’s participation in the solar energy sector and opportunities for financial self-reliance.
The Panchayat and Rural Development Department’s exhibition conveyed that Chhattisgarh’s villages are becoming centres of innovation, enterprise, and self-reliance, while also benefiting from development schemes. These efforts earned the department second prize among departmental exhibitions.
While the PM-JANMAN housing colony illustrated better living conditions for tribal families, Chhattiskala connected rural women’s products with markets. Innovations in waste-plastic road construction, water conservation and clean energy highlighted an environmentally responsible approach to development.