Patna. From working as a bookkeeper to a cluster facilitator and now a successful entrepreneur – the journey of Nalanda’s Sunita Devi has become an inspiration for the entire country. During a nationwide video conferencing interaction program organized by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India on Saturday, Sunita Devi shared her story of entrepreneurship with the Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Sunita Devi, a member of the Pooja Jeevika Self-Help Group (SHG) in Nalanda district, currently runs a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Biharsharif.
Jeevika gave her skills, Jan Aushadhi Kendra gave her identity
Sunita shared that after joining Jeevika, she first started working as a bookkeeper for her group. In 2018, she was given the responsibility of Cluster Facilitator. During this period, she worked closely with hundreds of self-help groups and gained hands-on experience in managing women’s livelihood activities and community institutions.
In 2023, when the initiative to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras was launched in Nalanda, she applied for the post of Assistant Pharmacist and was selected. Initially, her knowledge about medicines was limited, but with the support of the chief pharmacist at the centre, she gradually gained expertise in medicines and centre operations.
Based on this experience and with the support of her family, she obtained permission from the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) and started her own Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
Now earns Rs 20,000-25,000 per month
According to Sunita, her financial condition has improved significantly after starting the center. After deducting all expenses, she now earns a net income of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month and has established herself as a successful Lakhpati Didi.
During the interaction, she also raised an important point. She said that many people still have misconceptions about the quality of low-cost Jan Aushadhi medicines. She personally explains the quality and efficacy to every customer. When one person benefits, he tells his neighbors and relatives, and this word-of-mouth has gradually increased people’s trust in these medicines.
She also highlighted the challenges of her business before the Minister – delay in the supply of medicines from the store and non-availability of some essential compositions. She demanded regular supply and an expanded range of medicines so that customers do not have to go elsewhere.
Minister assures all possible support
The Union Minister for Rural Development appreciated Sunita Devi’s struggle and determination. He said that converting the experience and skills gained from Jeevika into a successful enterprise is an example for other women and assured all possible support from the government.
It is noteworthy that under the Lakhpati Didi initiative in Bihar, more than 50 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis so far. This is a major achievement of Jeevika’s continuous efforts towards women’s economic empowerment.
The story of Sunita Devi proves that Self-Help Groups are not just a means of employment, but a powerful platform to transform women into successful entrepreneurs.