Government interventions like the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) have helped many low-income families find sustainable livelihood options, and Namita Sargharia of Chalanguda village, Borigumma block, Koraput, is a remarkable example.

Earlier, Namita’s family depended entirely on her husband’s meagre earnings as a daily wage labourer. Living in an asbestos house and facing a medical emergency, they were on the verge of falling into extreme poverty. A high-interest loan of Rs 22,000 for her husband’s treatment took four years to repay.

Namita’s fortunes changed when she availed a Rs 50,000 OLM loan to start her business. She rented a stall and launched a ladies’ corner, selling cosmetics and garments, earning INR 10,000–15,000 monthly. She also earns 5,000–6,000 per month from tailoring. Her mother-in-law runs a vegetable vending business, also supported by OLM, generating INR 6,000–8,000 monthly.

With the new income, her husband transitioned from unskilled labor to a marketing agent, earning INR 15,000–20,000 monthly. The fa3mily has also benefited from Mo Kudia housing, BPL electricity, Ujjwala gas, PDS rice, VRF assistance, and the MBPY old-age pension. They now own a TV, refrigerator, sewing machine, bike, and cycle.

Namita actively participates in gram sabha meetings and provides tailoring training to local girls, promoting self-reliance. She aspires to expand her business and provide quality education for her children, supporting their dreams in teaching, music, and dance.

Namita’s journey exemplifies how targeted livelihood support can transform families, foster entrepreneurship, and create empowered, socially active women.