Born into a poor family, Khemeshwari was married in 2017. However, persistent demands for dowry and subsequent harassment compelled her to return to her parental home, where she lived with her parents, two younger sisters and a brother. Battling financial constraints, she resolved to become independent and rebuild her life.
Livelihood Mission changed her destiny
In 2019, Khemeshwari joined the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). With guidance from PRP Nidhi Sahu of the Amlipadar cluster, she received training, a BC (Banking Correspondent) centre ID and a loan of ₹60,000. The initial two years were challenging, but she remained determined.
A lifeline during the Covid lockdown
During the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, when access to banks became difficult, Khemeshwari emerged as a crucial support system for villagers in rural and forest areas. By ensuring timely cash availability near their homes, she earned the title of “Bankwali Didi.”
Serving 1,200 beneficiaries every month
Using a micro-ATM linked with Aadhaar authentication and fingerprint scanning, she facilitates monthly cash withdrawals of ₹20–25 lakh for nearly 1,200 beneficiaries. These include payments under more than a dozen government schemes such as old-age pensions, Kisan Samriddhi, Jeevan Jyoti, scholarships and tendu leaf collectors’ wages.
Annual transactions cross ₹2 crore
Over the past two financial years, Khemeshwari has handled transactions worth nearly ₹2 crore annually, earning a monthly income of around ₹20,000 and securing her status as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’.
Doorstep service for the elderly
Her BC centre remains crowded daily. For over 40 elderly and ailing beneficiaries who cannot visit the centre, she personally delivers cash to their homes, ensuring no one is deprived of essential benefits.
Reaching remote and forest villages
Khemeshwari regularly travels to more than 10 remote villages, including Budhgeltappa, Khokhma, Saraipani and Siharaliti panchayats in Mainpur block. Despite challenges such as bad weather, poor connectivity and fingerprint scan failures, she continues her service with dedication.
A role model for the district and state
Ramesh Verma, district officer of the Bihan scheme, said that among 96 BC centres in the district and over 3,500 across the state, Khemeshwari has benefited the highest number of beneficiaries. With transactions of ₹1.80 crore in 2024 and ₹2 crore in 2025, she has been recognised as the state’s best BC Sakhi.
Administration applauds her efforts
District Panchayat CEO Prakhar Chandrakar said Khemeshwari has been provided training, financial assistance and a laptop under the Livelihood Mission. To address fingerprint-related issues, eye-scan devices will also be provided in the future. He described her as an inspiration not only for Gariaband district but for the entire state.
