Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 18: Smti. M. Sudha Devi, stands as a shining example of women-led entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood generation becoming a Lakhpati Didi from C.D Block Campbell Bay from Nicobar District.
The Neela Self Help Group was established in October 2017 and Smti. M. Sudha Devi (40 years) got attached with the group. In her journey towards financial self-reliance, Smti. Sudha sought support to meet the working capital requirements of her Self- Help Group and to procure small food processing tools.
With the continuous support provided from the Department of Rural Development, Neela Self Help Group received a Seed Capital grant of Rs. 40,000/- under the PMFME Scheme. The financial support enabled her to purchase a Grinder significantly strengthening the production capacity of the enterprise. The installation of the machinery, the daily production capacity increased from 10 kg/litre to 12 kg/litre, leading to a rise in daily profits from Rs. 450 to Rs. 500. The Seed Capital support is also being effectively utilized to meet the ongoing working capital needs of the enterprise.
Through consistent production, improved efficiency, and market access, Smti. M. Sudha Devi has successfully achieved an annual income exceeding Rs. 1 lakh, earning her recognition as a “Lakhpati Didi”. The products of Neela Self Help Group are marketed through local markets. The financial turnover recorded for the FY 2025–26 was Rs. 1,40,000/-.
The success story of Lakhpati Didi Smti. M. Sudha Devi motivates in empowering women Self Help Group members, promoting micro-enterprises, and strengthening rural and island economies.